8 Different Swimming Styles and Strokes
Whether you’re aiming to swim for fitness, competition, or safety, it’s smart to learn a variety of swimming strokes, as each has its unique advantages in different situations.
The main swimming strokes include freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, sidestroke, and a few others.
If you’re competing, mastering multiple strokes gives you more options in events. For exercise, using different strokes works out a range of muscles for a well-rounded workout. And when it comes to safety, knowing multiple strokes can be a lifesaver in tricky situations.
Here Are 8 Different Swimming Styles and Strokes:
1. Freestyle/Front Crawl
The front crawl is the most recognized swimming stroke and is often called the freestyle because it’s the most popular choice in freestyle competitions due to its speed.
To perform the front crawl, lie flat on your stomach with your body straight in the water. Use alternating arm movements in a windmill motion to push yourself forward, starting underwater and then coming up above the water. Your legs perform a flutter kick, moving up and down with pointed toes. Avoid bending your knees while kicking.
Coordinate your breathing by turning your head to the side as your arm lifts above the water. Don’t over-rotate your head, or you might end up sinking rather than staying afloat.
2. Backstroke
The backstroke is similar to the front crawl but is performed on your back. It’s often recommended for those with back problems because it helps strengthen the back muscles.
To execute the backstroke, float on your back and alternate your arms in a windmill motion. Your arms should start underwater and come up above as you propel yourself backward. Use a flutter kick to keep moving. Keep your head facing up, and your face should remain out of the water.
Keep your body straight with a slight slope at your hips. Avoid letting your hips drop too low, as this can slow you down. Coordinate your breathing with your strokes.
3. Breaststroke
The breaststroke is the slowest of the competitive strokes and is often one of the first strokes taught to beginners since you don’t have to submerge your head (unless you’re swimming competitively).
You start with your stomach facing down, and your arms move together in a half-circle beneath the water in front of your body. Your legs perform a “whip kick,” where you bend your knees and hips, bringing your legs close before extending them outward in a frog-like motion.
Match your arm strokes with your leg movements for a smoother swim. As your legs kick, let your arms rest, and as your arms pull you forward, let your legs straighten. This rhythm helps maintain continuous movement.
4. Butterfly
The butterfly is a more advanced stroke that offers a great full-body workout. It’s the second fastest stroke and is often associated with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
Start face-down in the water. Simultaneously move both arms over your head, then push them down into the water to propel yourself forward. Bring them up and over again to repeat. As you do this, your head and shoulders will lift above the water.
Your legs perform a dolphin kick, where they stay together and move in a wave-like motion, much like a dolphin’s tail. The best time to breathe is when your arms are coming out of the water. Lift your head straight ahead without turning it to the side.
5. Sidestroke
The sidestroke is an older style not usually seen in competitive swimming but is still valuable for safety, especially for lifeguards rescuing someone. It involves lying on your side and using a scissor kick along with alternating arm movements.
Picture it like apple picking: One arm reaches above your head to “pick an apple,” and both hands meet in front of your chest. Then, your top arm “tosses the apple” behind you as your bottom arm reaches up for the next one.
6. Elementary Backstroke
This stroke is a simpler version of the backstroke and uses a reversed breaststroke kick. It’s often taught to beginners because it’s easy to learn.
A fun way to remember the movements is using this pattern: bring your hands up to your armpits (monkey), spread your arms wide (airplane), and push your arms down to your sides (soldier).
7. Combat Side Stroke
The combat side stroke is used by the US Navy SEALs. It’s a mix of the breaststroke, freestyle, and sidestroke, designed to save energy and keep a low profile in the water.
It requires maintaining balance, length, and rotation in the water. Although it’s more complex, it’s highly efficient. Interested in mastering this one? Check out detailed guides for the complete breakdown of the technique.
8. Trudgen
The Trudgen stroke evolved from the sidestroke and is named after swimmer John Trudgen. You swim mainly on your side, lifting each arm out of the water in turns. The legs perform a scissor kick with every other stroke.
When one arm is extended over your head, spread your legs to prepare for the kick. As the arm completes its motion, straighten your legs and snap them together for a powerful kick. Your head stays above the water throughout this stroke.
What are the Basic Skills of Swimming?
Every swimmer should master these five essential skills:
- Breathing Technique: Learning to breathe correctly is key.
- Gliding: Practice gliding with your face in the water.
- Body Coordination: Understand how different body parts work together.
- Stroke Styles: Get comfortable with various swimming techniques.
- Diving: Knowing how to dive properly can make your swim more efficient.
FAQs
- What is the fastest swimming stroke?
- The fastest stroke is the freestyle/front crawl due to its streamlined movement.
- Which stroke is easiest for beginners?
- The breaststroke is often the easiest for beginners since it doesn’t require putting your head underwater.
- Why is the butterfly stroke so challenging?
- The butterfly stroke requires strong arm and leg coordination, making it more tiring than other strokes.
- Can I learn swimming as an adult?
- Absolutely! Many adults learn to swim. It’s never too late to start.
- How often should I practice swimming?
- For beginners, 2-3 times a week is great. As you improve, aim for 3-5 sessions weekly for better progress.
