There are four strokes in swimming: freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke. Of these, freestyle is the fastest. Its prone position and relatively easy movements are why many new swimmers begin with this stroke. A coach, instructor or advanced swimmer watching you swim from above, on the pool deck, as well as beneath the water line is a useful tool for feedback and suggestions. Having structure to your swim program will give you the best chance for success.
Mind Over Water
According to Swim Smooth's website, the mind is an essential place to begin when learning how to swim. Many people, especially adults, who are comfortable wading in a swimming pool become fearful of putting their face in the water. Swim Smooth suggests visiting the pool where you plan to swim, preferably with someone you know who swims, and spending time getting comfortable with the atmosphere. Talk to other swimmers, lifeguards or instructors and let them know your goal to learn freestyle. Spend time in the water or just watch from the deck. The goal: convincing yourself you can do it.
Waiting to Exhale
The breathing cycle in the freestyle stroke has two movements: inhaling air into the lungs, followed by exhaling air out of the lungs. Many an expert says this is one of if not the most important skills in freestyle. Holding one's breath underwater is natural, but incorrect nonetheless. There is quite a good reason to exhale into the water. If you do not, you will be holding your breath, forcing you to exhale and inhale during the second you have to sip in your next breath, leaving you out of breath.
Learn by Watching
Many websites have video of expert swimmers teaching freestyle. YouTube and Go Swim have vast selections of videos showing correct freestyle technique by Michael Phelps, Alexander Popov, Ian Thorpe and others. In addition, there are videos that focus on individual aspects of the stroke, such as hand position, breathing, kicking or head position. Best of all, videos are free and always available for viewing. Watch before going to the pool for a workout so that you can visualize what the freestyle stroke, done properly, looks like.
Evaluation
The next best thing to a coach is an online evaluation of your freestyle technique. Go Swim offers video evaluation for $15. Go Swim recommends using a waterproof camera to capture underwater video, shot at a side angle. Once you upload the video, select a coach; your evaluation will come with verbal advice and drill suggestions for you to try. Go Swim can also present you with a side-by-side comparison of you compared to an advanced-level swimmer. The site hopes to offer Olympians in the future.
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