Swimming Strokes

Swimming is the favorite sport of many people all across the world. This sport is one of the most popular item in the Olympics. The evolution of swimming as a sport started off very late in the 18th century, when people started differentiating the swimming strokes and styles. Sports committees and governing bodies, also started officially defining the swimming strokes, and started putting down rules for each stroke. Today, there are 4 basic types of swimming strokes, that are used by swimming enthusiasts and are also used in competitions. The different swimming strokes have been described in the following paragraphs. Read more on swimming technique for beginners.

Swimming Strokes #1: Breaststroke



Among all the basic swimming strokes, the breaststroke is the easiest one. This is the preferred one of all the swimming strokes for beginners. The breaststroke is basically done by moving the hands and legs in a circular form. The circular motion of the arms and legs propel the swimmer forward. This stroke is a single axis stroke, due to the fact that hands and legs have to move in a synchronized and symmetrical motion. The palms of the swimmer act like paddles in such a case, and the toes are used to complete the propulsion of the swimmer. If you are thinking of entering the competitive level, then you need to refine the stroke and learn faster and narrower swings of your hands and legs. You also need to add a thrust to your torso, in order minimize the opposing force of water. The second thing that you should bear in your mind is breathing and coordinating the motion of the hands and legs. If you concentrate on your pulse and heartbeat, you will be able to drastically improve the speed and streamlining of your stroke.

Swimming Strokes #2: Freestyle Stroke



The fastest and longest stroke, the freestyle is not only energy demanding, but is also very difficult to master. This stroke can be swum by alternate rotation of your arms and alternate paddling of the feet. Mastering the breathing technique while doing this stroke is very difficult. If you are planning to compete, then it is necessary to concentrate on factors such as body coordination and breathing. Freestyle, which is also known as the front crawl, is a highly demanding stroke, and one requires a lot of energy in order to perfect and improve it. Freestyle is a double axis stroke, and hence, it also becomes necessary to coordinate the right hand with left foot and left hand with right foot.

Swimming Strokes #3: Backstroke



The backstroke is often considered to be a relaxing stroke. This fact is actually a myth, as the backstroke is a very difficult stroke to perform. The backstroke is a double axis stroke, and like the freestyle, one needs to concentrate upon the alternative leg and arm motion. Another very difficult aspect of the backstroke is the breathing. The nose and mouth of the swimmer tends to be exposed to the air, and hence, a lot of uncontrolled breathing can take place. There are many swimming strokes techniques that are used by competing swimmers that are used to control the breathing. One of the common trick is to take a breath after every 4 strokes of the arms. The backstroke requires a lot of patience and is very difficult to master.

Swimming Stroke #4: Butterfly Stroke



The butterfly stroke is another very difficult stroke, and is often considered to be an extended version of the breaststroke. The butterfly stroke involves symmetrical arm rotations above the surface of water. The butterfly stroke, though graceful, is a very exhausting swimming stroke, as the whole body is required to go into a wave like motion. While doing the butterfly stroke, one needs to move both the legs up and down in a synchronized motion. The rotation of arms is followed with the movement of legs.

The 4 swimming strokes are very difficult to master. Practicing these strokes everyday with the help of appropriate swimming workouts, not only helps a lot but also tends to improvise your hand and leg motions. An everyday disciplined practice proves to be very effective as your breathing and body motions tend to improve every time you workout with the help of the strokes.