What Are the Five Basic Swim Strokes?

Some swim strokes have evolved and changed over the years. Nonetheless, each swim style is defined by its specific rhythmic strokes and body position. Smooth, coordinated movements characterize all swim strokes. It's important to look ahead and maintain proper head position because the rest of your body will follow. Practice and training can result in more efficient swim strokes and quicker turns with minimal waves in the pool.

  1. Backstroke

    • The backstroke starts with the swimmer on his back, holding the side of the pool, feet on the wall and ready to push off. Arms, one at a time, lift above the head and down into the water until a full rotation brings them back to the original position. When one arm is above the head, the other is in the water approximately parallel with the body. Breathe after every other arm stroke. Flutter kicks work the feet and legs. Turning at pool's end requires only touching with the feet. A15-meter limitation underwater is the rule for turns.

    Freestyle or Front Crawl

    • Swimmers start this stroke at the pool's edge, facing away from the wall. Turn the head downwards at a 45-degree angle. Lunge forward in the water with face submerged to commence the first stroke and begin swimming. Reach and extend arms forward, one at a time, to make full, sweeping circles. Keep the head in the water except to come up for air on every other stroke. Tilt head and lift it above the water surface to get air. Continuous flutter kicks require that legs are kept straight.

    Breaststroke

    • The breaststroke requires synchronous arm motions that begin at the center of the chest. Hands move forward then away from the body like you're parting the water. The face is at the surface of the water, and a breath should be taken with every stroke. The head looks like it bobs in the water with each stroke. The breaststroke requires a frog kick that corresponds with the arm strokes.

    Butterfly

    • The butterfly demands high energy and concentration. This stroke requires the shoulders to be in line with the water's surface. Synchronized downward arm strokes coordinate with dolphin kicks. Take a deep breath while arms are at the highest position. Only the first stoke is made underwater with subsequent ones at the surface. The butterfly is considered the most exhausting and difficult of swim strokes.

    Sidestroke

    • The sidestroke is as the name implies -- performed on the side of the body. The arm of the side in water is outstretched and helps maintain direction. The arm on top performs a stroke that begins near the head and pushes water away. Breathe with every stroke. With each arm stroke is an associated scissor kick done sideways.