What Are the Different Types of Swimming?
Did you know that around 44% of the world's population from age 15 to above know how to swim? It would not be wrong to say that swimming is not a recreational activity anymore. It is also a fiercely competitive sport that seems simple but isn't. This is because it features different types of swimming techniques. You may find them all just as a way of surviving in the water, but in reality, every stroke and style has its own distinctive traits and advantages.
Learning various swimming strokes and styles helps one to be more self-assured and adaptable. It enables them to participate in enjoyable activities like swimming competitions, etc. Also depending on the threat of the situation, learning different strokes can be used to increase safety.
In addition to this, learning different types of swimming strokes allows for a more complete workout as muscles are recruited in the process. But what are these different strokes? When wanting to know about them, keep reading until the end to discover some relevant information.
Which Basic Skills Every Swimmer Must Learn?
To become a swimmer, just learning every type of stroke and style is not enough. There are a few other skills which you must acquire including the following:
learning the breathing technique is a must
floating
coordination of the limbs
time management
getting in and out of the water in a safe way
water diving
horizontal and vertical kicking
gliding while submerged in water and
ways to synchronize the movement of several body parts
Different Types of Swimming Styles and Strokes to Learn
Usually, non-swimmers are aware that there are only 6 main types of swimming styles to learn. Well, that isn't true. There are around nine different types of swimming styles and strokes for every swimmer to learn. Some of these are included below:
Different Styles and Strokes of Swimming Explained
Sidestroke
Among the different types of swimming techniques, it is the most traditional one which is used for saving drowning victims. This technique involves one to perform a scissor kick using one arm and leg by pressing with the back of the upper leg.
Whereas the front of the lower leg pushes against water and the asymmetric underwater arm movements are performed. In this different kind of swimming style, the body has to be positioned to the side throughout the stroke. While the head must remain above the surface of the water which helps to make breathing more motionless.
Breaststroke
One more of the swimming type names in the list is Breaststroke. It is a one-of-a-kind technique which can be done lying flat. The body is compelled into an inclined position from a horizontal one in this technique. It floats in the water and flies making frog-like kicks besides making synchronous hand movements.
Not to mention, it is one of the most difficult swimming styles to come across. To move the body forward in the water, the legs are bent and kicked out. Underwater a symmetrical whip kick resembling a frog is produced. There are ongoing simultaneous and symmetrical arm movements.
The hands form an arc from their extended forward position to just below the chest. During the recovery phase, the hands move in a straight line in contrast to the freestyle stroke. In this different types of swimming style, the head is above water and the hands are under the chest as the breathing is done. This is also regarded as one of the slowest swimming strokes to exist and is mostly taught to beginners.
Butterfly
Among the 4 types of swimming styles, this is the most popular and admired one. Did you know that the butterfly stroke was even the favourite stroke of the Olympic Legend Michael Phillips? Source. This is because butterfly swimming makes one wonder how they manage to execute the stroke with grace and ease. Being a challenging stroke, it calls for strength, agility and practice.
This swimming technique starts in a position where the face of the swimmer is downwards and their arms at their sides. Also, the palms face down and their head remains in a neutral position. When performing the dolphin kick with both legs at once. The swimmer simultaneously pushes both arms down, out and above the water's surface in this different styles of swimming.
Elementary Backstroke
Elementary Backstroke is one of the first different types of swimming techniques that is taught to the students. It may sound usual but is quite a different type of backstroke. The arms move in unison beneath the water as the individual kicks in the reverse breaststroke fashion. Being a straightforward technique, it is very easy to learn.
The learners of these different kinds of swimming strokes are mostly children and the movements are given unusual and funny names during the learning process. For instance, when the arms are out open, students are said to take the aeroplane position. Whereas, when the hands are said to be brought to the armpits, they are commanded to take the monkey position.
Dolphin Stroke
The Dolphin stroke involves making dolphin kicks as the main source of propulsion. It is distinctive as it involves undulating motion of the body and producing strong thrust by using the legs. This dolphin stroke is perfect for people who have a solid swimming foundation and have both strengths as well as techniques to perform the dolphin kick.
By performing this stroke, one benefits in multiple ways. From higher underwater efficiency to improved core stability and helps in increasing lower body strength - everything is possible with this method. Mostly, older kids, teenagers and adults are taught this stroke.
Combat Side Stroke
This is a different floats in swimming which was taught by the All US Navy SEALs. It is basically a fighting side stroke which is not only effective and energy saving.
Being a hybrid of sidestroke, breaststroke, and among the different types of freestyle swimming - it lowers the profile of swimmers in the water besides making them less apparent. Also, it enables individuals to swim as efficiently as possible. You will concentrate on length, rotation and balance in this.
Freestyle / Front Crawl
Freestyle also known as Front Crawl is among the quickest and most effective swimming strokes. It is mostly employed during competitions and involves keeping a fully horizontal face in the down position.
Being recognized as a long-axis stroke, the head of the swimmer remains in the neutral position. In these different kinds of swimming techniques, the body position and arm stroke work together from one side to the other. Alongside the arm that is lifting out of the water for a full stroke, the individual takes a breath.
Trudgen
Trudgen is a type of sidestroke that comes from John Trudgen's last name. Most of the swimming is done on the side where the arms above the head are raised. It employs a scissor kick every other stroke.
Also, the left arm should be over the head when the individual begins to kick. However, as the arm descends, the individual straighten their leg and snaps them together performing scissor kicks. Completing this stroke while keeping the head above the water, makes this technique quite special among the rest.
Backstroke
Backstroke is among the different types of floats in swimming that is done with the heads pointing down. It is another long-axis stroke which is executed on the back and incorporates a lot of the same body positioning.
This technique guides concepts such as the front crawl or freestyle. This technique definitely falls under the different kinds of float in swimming, where the head is maintained and the hip must stay aligned. The swimmer's face must remain upwards facing the sky or the ceiling. In case of not doing as required, the hips will eventually drop and the swimmer will lose good form, speed and efficiency.
