How to Do a Front Swim

A front swim, also known as the freestyle stroke, is one of the most common and versatile strokes in swimming. It's one of the fastest and most efficient strokes, and it's also one of the easiest to learn. Having solid swimming skills is an essential survival technique. Swimming is also one of the best exercises you can do, as it works your entire body without creating stress on your joints. By following these instructions and practicing diligently, you can master this stroke and improve your swimming ability and fitness.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin face-down in the water. Raise your right arm until it's bent and at a 45-degree angle to the water.

    • 2

      Extend your right arm straight in front of you and into the water.

    • 3

      Pull your right arm through the water toward your leg, in an S shape. Sometimes it helps to think of pushing the water out of the way of your body.

    • 4

      Repeat with the other arm.

    • 5

      Turn your head to the side to breathe. Breathe out while your face is in the water, because you don't have time to breathe out and in between strokes.

    • 6

      Lift your head as you swim. A common mistake is to put your face all the way into the water. The water should hit right in the middle of your forehead.

    • 7

      Rotate your body as you swim. You should be tilting into the water on your right side when using your right arm, then into the left side when using your left arm.

    • 8

      Kick as you swim. Your kicks should be fluid and continuous. The stronger your kick, the easier it is to stay afloat as you master the arms.