A good swimmer possesses a smooth, streamlined position and high body roll. The arm's path during the backstroke should also be S-shaped. This will increase the thrust of the stroke. Moreover, a swimmer should be able to perform a full stroke without excessive fatigue. The best swimmers display a balanced stance in all phases, regardless of the type of swimming style they use. So, if you want to improve your swimming style, start by observing the way your arms do. This article discusses the various swimming styles.
- breaststroke
The breaststroke involves leaning forward in the water and swimming with a rounded chest. During the first half of the stroke, the arms only touch the water a small amount. The second half of the stroke involves dipping the head. A good kick pushes you forward and prevents your lower body from diving too low. Once you have learned these techniques, you can begin practicing them. Then, you'll be ready to compete at the international level!
The competitive breaststroke is a technique that features an underwater pullout. During this move, swimmers extend their arms, pull past their hips, and recover to streamline position. As of the 2005 season, the swimmer can use one downward dolphin kick but an upward dolphin kick is prohibited. This technique adds considerable time to the overall swim time. Aim to improve your swimming time by focusing on your start and turns.
- The butterfly stroke
The butterfly stroke is perhaps the most difficult swimming style. It involves three different parts that must be accomplished smoothly. Each part is known as Push, Pull, and Recovery. The Pull phase focuses on posture while the Push phase focuses on propulsion. As the hand pushes through the water, the butterfly stroke will gain speed. The Recovery phase requires swimmers to maintain a straight body line while repeatedly rising from the water. The butterfly stroke is not recommended for beginners.
- The backstroke
The backstroke is the oldest swimming style. It first came into existence in ancient Greece and was inducted into the modern Olympic games in 1896 at the Paris Olympics. Although it is similar to the butterfly, the backstroke is much faster in long distance races. It uses different muscles than any other style. Therefore, it is best for people with sensitive eyes. The backstroke is also an excellent choice for long distance endurance. In addition, it also requires minimal energy exertion and only burns the muscles in your body.
Conclusion
There are many different swimming styles and techniques. The front crawl, which is the fastest surface style, uses a kick motion that alternates arms with legs. Another variation of the front crawl is the dolphin kick, which involves alternating one kick with each arm. This technique is also effective for swimming in small and narrow places. However, the catch up swim style is the most common one. This swimming style is very difficult for a beginner to learn. If you don't know the correct technique, it may be helpful to watch videos of synchronized swimming or a swimming trainer to learn more about it.