How to Swim Freestyle

Ever want to learn the correct way to swim? Mastering you swimming stroke makes swimming much easier, less tiring, and more fun. Learn how now!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A bathing suit
• A pool, lake, or stream

1. Mastering the freestyle swimming stroke is something that takes years. But, with a little practice, you can learn to swim quite well with just a few lessons. This article will cover the three major elements of freestyle swimming: arm movement, kicking, and breathing.

2. 
   Freestyle Arm Stroke

   Freestyle arm stroke - Freestyle is the fastest known swimming stroke, primarily because of the speed at which the arms propel your body through the water. Both arms alternate positions, one pulling water while the other reaches out for the next stroke. This allows for almost no pause in forward movement because one arm is always pulling.
   
   To get the stroke right, try this. While swimming, hold a pencil in your right hand out in front of your face, near the surface of the water. Pull water down towards your feet with your left hand. Continue the motion of the left hand. Bring it up and out of the water, then reach out in front of you and take the pencil from your right hand. Now pull water with your right hand. Repeat this drill to help your body feel how it should be positioned while swimming. Soon you will be able to do it naturally, without the pencil.

3. 
   Freestyle Kick

   The kick - The freestyle swimming kick consists of an alternating up and down motion with each leg. This image shows a swimmer wearing resistance bands. The key is to bend your knees only slightly while kicking up, then straighten them while kicking down. Try wearing snorkeling fins to strengthen your leg muscles if you are a bit out of shape.

4. 
   Freestyle Breathing

   Breathing - Most swimmers are more comfortable breathing on one side or the other, but professionals train their bodies to breathe on either. If you are a beginner, find one side that feels best, and perfect that one before starting on the other.
   
   To breathe efficiently, you will need to turn your head to the side. Do not lift your chin straight up in front of you. This is a common beginning mistake. As your arm is reaching forward to take the next stroke, turn your head towards it. Your forehead and nose create a small wave in the water which pushes water away from your mouth, allowing for an easy breath.

5. Watch others - Swimming is very hard to explain using just words. The best way to learn is to watch someone else swim, and mimic their movements. Consider taking lessons too. You'll be swimming in no time.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, learning to swim takes time and patience
• Don't exhaust yourself with tough workouts at first. Work your way up to them.
• Always swim where you'll be under lifeguard supervision.

[sks8]

on 8/15/2009 Great howto. Thanks!!