All swimming strokes have their unique benefits, so learning different swimming strokes can help you strengthen your swimming skills and improve your fitness. One way to perfect different strokes is through working with a professional swimming instructor. However, reading about swimming strokes can also teach you about various swim techniques and help you understand how to can improve your swimming style.
If you’re just starting out in the pool, you’ll want to learn to tread water and a few water safety basics. Beyond that, you’ll want to get the hang of simple swimming strokes that’ll help you move around the water safely.
Also known as the front crawl stroke, the freestyle is possibly the easiest swimming stroke to master and the one early swimmers typically learn first. You must understand the body position to master this stroke. Your neck, head and back should be aligned and relaxed. You’ll then rotate your arms over your head, reaching forward with one hand and allowing the second hand to start in motion as your first hand touches the water.
Your body will move with the movement of your arms. You can also kick or move your legs in a smooth motion. This swimming stroke allows you to swim on your stomach with your head above water part of the time. You should take a breath every four strokes or so.
While it is one of the simplest techniques, freestyle is considered one of the fastest swimming strokes. Competitors use the freestyle to set swimming speed world records.
The breaststroke is another simple swimming stroke that allows you to keep your head above water, which can be reassuring for new swimmers. Begin by holding your palms together and your arms up, your hands in a prayer position, and pulling your knees up to your chest.
Without taking your hands apart, push your hands forward, away from your torso. As you make this motion, move your hands apart, palms out, and kick your legs out to each side widely as your arms also move to the side.
After pushing your arms to the side, bring your hands together in the prayer position again and repeat. With practice, this stroke should become one continuous motion, propelling you through the water.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, a more advanced option is the butterfly stroke. Beginners sometimes confuse the breaststroke and butterfly strokes because both involve the arms extending to the sides. However, that’s where the similarities end.
With the butterfly stroke, your head is tilted down and your feet are pointing down while you make a kicking motion. You reach your arms above your head and pull your hands toward you in a partial circle with palms facing outward. Quickly pull your arms past your waist along your sides. Sweep your arms out of the water and back to the starting position.
The backstroke is also an advanced technique because it requires you to swim on your back, not allowing you to see where you’re going. Swimmers need to adapt to this sensation to master the backstroke.
The backstroke involves all the same movements as the freestyle, only on your back. It is useful to master this stroke since it’s easier on your back muscles and allows you to get a full-body workout when you combine it with other strokes. If you get tired of swimming on your stomach, it can be helpful to have this option, too.
If you want to practice your swimming strokes, having your own pool allows you to practice more often. An inground pool is a permanent addition to your home that can also increase the value of your property.
Lotus Pools has been helping homeowners in the Chicagoland area design and install pools as well as renovate older pools since 2010. In an initial consultation, we can review what’s possible on your property. Our certified professionals will help you design a natural granite pool, classic pool or many other styles. We take care of all the details, from helping you find a style you love to ensuring your new swimming area is installed and ready for a lifetime of happy summers.
If you already have a pool, it’s essential to keep your swimming areas properly maintained and clean so you can practice your swimming skills and new swim techniques in a safe place. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional take a look at your pool, contact Lotus Pools for service and maintenance today.
You can contact Lotus Pools at (847) 907-4995 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our team can offer maintenance and service for virtually any pool model in Rolling Meadows and the surrounding areas. We make it easy and convenient to work on your swimming skills in your own inground pool. Get started today!
