Swimming is a wonderful activity that offers a wide variety of physical and mental benefits for people of all ages. However, there are a few things that every swimmer should know before getting in the water. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all technique for swimming. Instead, every swimmer should find a stroke that is comfortable for him or her and works best with his or her mobility limitations. Additionally, it’s crucial to practice good water etiquette, as this can help ensure that everyone has a positive experience at the pool.
Freestyle Stroke
The most popular and simplest swimming stroke, freestyle involves alternating flutter kicks and windmill arm motions while on your stomach. This stroke can be challenging for beginners because it requires coordinating the movement of your legs and arms. During the initial stages of learning this stroke, focus on relaxing your feet and ankles. Your legs should almost float in the water to minimize the amount of resistance that you’re creating. Then, accentuate the down-kick portion of your stroke to provide propulsion. Lastly, emphasize the rotation of your body by moving your arms in half-circles around you. During this motion, you should mimic the movements of a frog to obtain the best results from your stroke.
Breaststroke Stroke
The breaststroke is the most efficient of all swimming strokes, allowing you to swim as far and fast as possible with minimal effort. To swim the breaststroke properly, you must synchronize your arms and legs. During the pull, make sure that your hand is close to your nose and above your head at the end of the stroke. Inhale in between each stroke and exhale during recovery.
Butterfly Stroke
The best swimmers can generate significant power with their legs, and the most effective technique for maximizing this strength is called the butterfly stroke. To swim the butterfly correctly, your arms should move in a curved “S” shape underwater, pulling you forward. During the catch, your hand should enter near your thigh.
Kicking
Many swimmers neglect to develop a strong kick, but this is one of the most important parts of the swimming stroke. A powerful kick prevents your lower body from sinking and reduces frontal drag, which is why the fastest swimmers often have the strongest kicks. In addition, a strong kick provides a great finishing boost in those last meters before the wall.