Whether you swim competitively or for fun, knowing different swimming strokes can help you to vary the muscles that you work. Four chief swimming strokes exist, each requiring you to employ a different technique to propel yourself through the water. Knowing how to correctly perform a stroke helps you not only to swim more quickly but to swim more safely. If you are unsure about using the proper technique, seek the advice of a swim coach or other swimming expert.
Freestyle
The freestyle stroke is a natural-feeling stroke, also called the crawl or the Australian crawl. Freestyle swimming involves rotating one arm overhead at a time, with the hand going into the water and propelling you forward. The legs are extended behind you and alternate bending at the knees, to kick in a fluttering style. For the most part, your head looks downward while performing this stroke, except for when you turn your head to the side to breathe.
Backstroke
Although most swimming strokes are performed while you are on your stomach, the backstroke is performed when you are on your back. Like the freestyle, your arms alternate through the water. However, your arms move backward instead of forward. Your legs alternate kicking in a fluttering motion in the backstroke. While breathing is not difficult, because your mouth is exposed, maintaining your positioning and a steady, straight backstroke can be challenging. If you swim competitively, you must learn to stay in your lane as you swim backwards.
Butterfly
The butterfly stroke requires more power than the other swimming strokes, because the arms must move simultaneously up and over your body, causing it to undulate. However, the legs are kept together to create a powerful dolphin kick that moves the body forward. Your legs should not flutter at all while performing this kick.
Breaststroke
The breaststroke is unique among the swimming strokes because it does not involve lifting the arms overhead. Instead, the arms are kept at the same level as the body. The hands come together in front of the chest and are then fanned out and around in a heart-shaped pattern. At the same time, the legs kick in a circular pattern, staying under or on the water surface during most of the leg movements. The legs do not flutter or kick, but instead move in continuous circles. This motion is similar to that of a frog when swimming. To breathe, a swimmer lifts his head out of the water and then returns the head to face the bottom of the water.
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