What Are the Six Different Types of Swimming Strokes?

Swimming is an excellent exercise that works all the muscles of the body. Whether you're swimming just for fun or competition, varying the types of strokes you use will engage different muscles to make you a stronger swimmer. To become a strong swimmer, watch your form and practice at least three times a week. Never swim alone and never overexert.

  1. Butterfly Stroke

    • The butterfly stroke is one of the fastest of all swimming strokes. Second only to the crawl stroke, it requires a great deal of upper body strength. To perform the butterfly, start face down in the water. Bring your arms out, over and around. Your arms should go into the water as your head comes up to take a breath. Use a dolphin kick to help propel you through the water. Start with your legs together, toes pointed. Working from the hips, your legs come up, with your knees slightly bent, and go back down to propel you though the water.

    Crawl

    • The crawl is the most basic of swimming strokes. Alternating arms go over and down through the water to push back the water and propel your body forward. Legs kick up and down with the opposite arm stroke. Your head is turned to the side to take a breath as your arm on that side is raised. This crawl is the best stroke for swimming at a brisk pace.

    Backstroke

    • The backstroke is performed by lying on your back, face up. Alternating arms are brought up arching over your head, with your hand entering the water pinkie first and sweeping down and to your side while rotating the shoulder. You kick your legs alternately up and down to help balance your body in the water.

    Sidestroke

    • For the sidestroke, begin by lying on your side with your lower arm extended overhead and your upper arm lying on your upper side. Bring your lower hand down through the water as your upper hand reaches up in front of the body and back down through the water. Your hands move in an alternating motion. Use a scissor kick to help propel your body forward.

    Breast Stroke

    • For the breast stroke, lie facedown in the water. Bring your hands and feet in, with your knees together. Extend your arms over your head and glide for a second. Bring your hands out and around and back into your chest. As your hands thrust out and around your head, rise up to take a breath. Use a frog kick to propel yourself through the water.

    Dog Paddle

    • The dog paddle is the easiest of all swimming strokes, and even the most novice swimmers can perform the stroke. With your head held up, cup your hands and bring them up, out and down under the water. Kick your feet up and down in sync with your hands.