Freestyle Swimming Technique for Beginners

With warm weather and long lazy afternoons, summers are the perfect time to take a dip in the cool swimming pool water. Although it sounds the most fun anyone can have in summers, some of you may not be so keen on experiencing it for yourselves. Perhaps the reason is that you don't know how to swim properly. Or maybe you know how it "looks" like, but can't get the techniques right. If proper swimming technique is your dilemma, then we can help you. Even though learning how to swim should be a practical thing, sometimes, going over it theoretically can prove beneficial as well. In this article, we will go over the theory part of freestyle swimming technique for amateur swimmers. Read it properly and get out there to show everyone you can swim.

Freestyle Swimming Techniques

Now I don't want to confuse you with understanding the fundamental techniques for freestyle swimming, but you should know a little bit more about this swimming style apart from its basics. It is also known as sidestroke or front crawl swimming. The basics of this swimming stroke is similar to the front crawl swimming technique. Many swimming competitions incorporate this style of swimming as it doesn't require any particular swimming rules and regulations.

That was a little bit about the freestyle swimming. Now we will have a look at the technique for beginners.

• Stand inside the swimming pool and try to imagine that a straight line is running down the middle of your body.
• This middle line from your chin to the chest works as an axis; your entire body will pivot according to this line.
• When you are swimming, your legs should be straight, toes pointed out, and kick your legs up and down. But make sure you don't make the legs stiff while swimming.
• As for the arms, they should work like a windmill. This means, when one arm is out of the water, the other should be inside.
• While extending the left hand out, stretching it straight up, your right hand should be underneath you, pulling water and pushing your ahead.
• Your hands should be flat, with the thumb and index finger apart from one another. When the right hand in under water, you should slightly bend your elbow and finish the stroke.
• Once your right hand comes out of the water, the left hand should take its place in the water. Again the same stroke is done by the left hand; hence finishing one entire stroke.
• There are specific breathing techniques for swimming which should be followed. During the strokes, breath by turning your head to the right or left (your choice) once the right or left hand comes out of the water. Turn your head to the right if the right hand comes up, and to the left if the left hand comes up.

These were the basic swimming techniques that every first-time swimmer should know about. Now we will go over something that will help you transform from an amateur swimmer to a good swimmer.

Freestyle Swimming Drills to Improve a Swimmer's Swimming Speed

You might be wondering how can swimming drills help you become a good swimmer. The reason behind this is that when you learn how to swim faster, essentially you're looking to become a faster, and a more efficient swimmer. I mean you wouldn't want to still keep the same, slow pace and be left behind. Even if you don't take up swimming for competing, there's no harm in getting faster.

Swimming Drills	Procedure
Isolated Arm	Keep the right or left arm apart (isolated from the body) Swim but 1 arm is fixed Keep fixed arm straight, ahead of you Use other hand to swim Once the other arm finishes 1 stroke, fixed arm begins a stroke Alternate both arms to become fixed
Thumb and Thigh	As you swim, start with thumbs by your thighs Lift right hand out of water for the stroke Pull left hand under water, keep elbows in water Extend left hand from elbow, still in water Once hand is straight, bring it out of water Follow the steps for right hand also
¾ Isolated Arm	Similar to isolated arm, swim freestyle But fixed arm will move before the other arm comes out Start 2nd stroke at ¾ way of 1st stroke
Close that Fist	Start swimming, but with fists closed At first, you won't feel moving forward With clenched fist, try the under water pull Complete entire strokes like thumb and thigh
Isolated Arm with Kickboard	Similar to isolated arm, swim freestyle Hold kickboard in left hand first and right hand is doing the stroke When right hand comes out of water, take the kickboard Now kickboard is in right hand and left hand is doing the stroke Keep alternating the board between both hands
Balance and Turn	Swim but with 1 arm Start with right hand, breathe from your right side Left hand is close to your side Swim with right hand, but now breathe from left Bring left hand on your side Now swim with left hand, breathe from your left side Right hand is close to your side Swim with left hand, but now breathe from right Bring right hand on your side
Drag your Fingers	Swim but fingertips don't leave water when arm is moving Always drag your fingers when arms come forward Point elbows upward and breathe normally Along with fingertips, keep wrist in water for variation

These were proper swimming strokes for freestyle. Follow the techniques you feel comfortable with at first, and once you start getting momentum, take one step closer to being a pro.