Swimming

Technique

Keep your body horizontal and streamlined at the surface of the water. Rotate your torso with each stroke to generate power from your lats and core rather than just your arms. Kick from your hips with relatively straight legs. Breathe rhythmically to the side without lifting your head too high.

Steps

1. Extend into a horizontal, streamlined position at the surface
2. Rotate your torso as each arm enters and pulls through the water
3. Drive a steady flutter kick from your hips with relatively straight legs
4. Turn your head to the side to inhale without lifting it
5. Exhale into the water and repeat the stroke rhythm

Common mistakes

• Lifting the head forward to breathe
• Pulling with the arms without rotating the torso
• Bending the knees excessively during the kick
• Allowing the hips and legs to sink

Variations

• Freestyle swimming with fins
• Pull-buoy freestyle swimming
• Freestyle swimming with hand paddles
• Freestyle swimming with a front-mounted snorkel

FAQ