Types of Swim Strokes

Objective

The objective of this blog is to describe the different types of swim strokes that exist today. The information presented here is collected from several sources. The reference section at the bottom of this page lists the sources that were taken into account while scanning for information.

What is a Swimming Stroke?

A swimming stroke is a process of moving the arms and legs of a human body such that the swimmer is propelled forward by pushing the water backward.

Types of Swimming Strokes

Freestyle stroke

Involves alternate overarm strokes and flutter kick. The swimmer’s head has to be completely immersed in water, and the face alternating from side to side.

Butterfly stroke

This is considered as the most exhausting and difficult stroke. It involves windmill like arm movement (both arms in unison) and dolphin kick. The swimmer should not swim underwater.

Breast stroke

Involves arm movement on the front side from the swimmer’s head to shoulder level with frog kick. It is important that the swimmer’s head should always be positioned above the water surface.

Side stroke

Is a forward underwater stroke with body on one side along with scissor kick.

Back stroke

Involves alternate over-the-head arm stroke and a flutter kick in a supine position. The swimmer is expected not to swim underwater.

Dog paddle

This stroke is considered as one of the few easiest swim strokes. It involves reaching forward with the swimmers arms underwater and using a modified version of the flutter kick.

Resources

An interesting 1 minute 26 second video on the subject – Improving Swimming Turns by the Olympic Bronze medallist, Steve Parry is available here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympic_games/7552672.stm

References

1. Human swimming: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_swimming
2. Types of Swimming Stokes: http://www.iloveindia.com/fitness/swimming/different-kinds-of-strokes.html
3. Swimming strokes: http://www.mamashealth.com/swim/strokes.asp
4. Aquatic locomotion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic_locomotion
5. Swimming (sport): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_(sport)
6. List of swimming styles: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_swimming_styles

Disclaimer

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. sks8.wordpress.comnor skumar.co.nr makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The trademarks, if at all used on this blog belong to their respective owners.

Note

The information presented here is collected from several sources. The reference section above lists the sources that were taken into account while scanning for information.

Disclaimer

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. sks8.wordpress.com nor skumar.co.nr makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The trademarks, if at all used on this blog belong to their respective owners.

Note

The information presented here is collected from several sources. The reference section above lists the sources that were taken into account while scanning for information.