Basic swimming is difficult to learn by yourself. It is important to find a teacher, and, if you are an adult, you'll want to take an adult swimming class so you can learn with people your own size and maturity level. The key for you will be to try to relax while you're in the water. Basic swimming skills depend more on proper technique than on strength or endurance, so it is important that you repeatedly practice the different components of basic swimming to master them. Break down the basic crawl stroke into its different components--kicking, breathing and stroking--and practice those components separately every time you get in the water. As you master each component, you will find it easier to put all three together into a coordinated swimming pattern.
Step 1
Perfect your flutter kick by holding on to the side of the pool, stretching your body out behind you and gently scissoring your legs just beneath the surface of the water. If you are creating a big splash, then you are wasting motion by kicking air instead of water. Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed.
Step 2
Blow bubbles. While kicking and holding on to the side of the pool, practice putting your face in the water and then turning your face and body to one side to breathe. Turn your entire torso when you breathe, not just your face. Rotate your body to the right or left, breathe and then rotate back so your face is in the water. Blow out your air, creating bubbles, and then rotate your body to the side again to breathe.
Step 3
Add arm movements. Push off the wall of the pool with your arms out in front of you, like Superman flying through the air. Glide with your face in the water, and start kicking. Pull one cupped hand beneath you, keeping your elbow out and pressing your palm against the water. Pull down to your waist, lift your hand out of the water and bring it back up to your opposite hand still held out in front of you. Now pull the opposite hand down in the same fashion.
Step 4
Add breathing. As you are pulling your right hand down beneath your body, rotate your body slightly to the right and take a breath. As you lift your right hand out of the water and return it to a position in front of you, rotate your body back and place your face back in the water. Pull with your left arm. This motion completes a full cycle of the basic swimming stroke. Slowly increase the number of cycles you can perform.
Tips and Warnings
- Sign up for a swimming class at the local YMCA or YWCA, where certified Red Cross classes are taught. Red Cross classes teach students to follow a standard progression of skills that will give you the basic abilities you need to be confident in the water. Practice proper technique, and remember that swimmers who have been swimming for years are often still trying to perfect their technique. Don't swim with your face out of the water. This will force your legs down and create drag.
- Never swim alone. Even after taking a class, don't hesitate to ask an accomplished swimmer to look at your stroke and offer advice. Most will be happy to.
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