Swimming is an important skill that also offers a lifetime
of fun and recreation. Because of the gentle environment, swimming is something
you’ll be able to do well after your body is no longer equipped for high-impact
activities like running. Swimming also offers the benefits of improving heart
and lung health and as well as working all muscle groups in the body. And by
learning to swim, you’ll enjoy days at the beach or pool that much more.
Getting Started
If you’re a beginning swimmer or looking to teach your child
how to swim, you’ll want to approach it by starting with the right swim strokes.
Choosing the easiest swimming strokes will give you the best chance at learning
to swim quickly and being able to enjoy your time in the water to the fullest.
Proper technique is also an important element of learning to
swim. While there are many ways to simply keep yourself above water, learning
proper technique will allow you to swim effectively, efficiently, and safely.
Learning how to swim by starting with the easiest swimming strokes will help
you get there.
Breaststroke
The breaststroke is arguably the easiest swimming stroke for
any beginner. Because you keep your head out of the water, you may feel most
comfortable starting with this basic stroke. Much like “doggie paddling,” this
stroke allows new swimmers to breathe freely and transition slowly into putting
their head underwater while swimming. You’ll also be able to see where you’re
going so you can carefully navigate from one side of the pool to the other.
How to Swim Breaststroke
To swim the breaststroke, you’ll need to move your arms and
legs together in a sweeping motion. Angle your head downward and hold your arms
extended outward, tight against your head. Glide forward by doing a frog kick,
then use your arms to continue to propel your body forward. This stroke is best
performed with a strong kick and an intense pull to maximize speed and
efficiency.
Sidestroke
While competitive swimmers never use sidestroke, it’s a good
way for beginners to get comfortable in the water. Those with back and neck
issues can also benefit from this stroke, as it doesn’t require a bending kick
like the breaststroke. This is also a stroke used by lifeguards to easily pull
an injured swimmer to safety.
How to Swim Sidestroke
To do sidestroke, spread out your arms and legs to full
extension. Perform a scissor kick (rather than a frog-leg kick like with the
breaststroke), and then pull forward with your arms. You’ll be swimming on your
side and facing the wall of the pool, rather than facing the bottom of the
pool.
Freestyle
While freestyle involves some more advanced breathing
techniques, it’s a stroke that can be taught to beginners without worrying
about the breathing right away. Beginners can simply hold their breath and take
in air when they pop out of the water. Freestyle is a fast stroke that’s
excellent for long-distance swimming and will be of great use throughout your
life.
How to Swim Freestyle
Perform the freestyle stroke by rotating your entire body in
and out of the water at once, including arms, legs, and head. Your kick will
not be as important as your upper body strength in this stroke. Take a breath
when your head reaches the top of the water after a full rotation. Sign Up for Classes with SwimJim.
Swimming isn’t something that can be easily explained in
writing, so you’re likely to need more assistance in learning even the easiest
swimming strokes. If you’re ready to get started, contact SwimJim today. We
offer swimming lessons to swimmers of all ages and have an experienced team of
swim teachers ready to help you feel comfortable in the pool.
Our focus on happiness, health, and safety ensures that
you’ll have a positive experience throughout the learning stages of every
lesson. Contact us today for more information about our swimming classes. We’ll
find the right class to suit you or your child’s needs.
Article Source From - Swim Jim