How to Swim by Using The Side Stroke Technique

The side stroke is one of the first swimming techniques most beginners will pick up when it comes to learning how to swim. The side stroke is a fast stroke which gives the swimmer a little flexibility to propel themselves in the water. This stroke is very popular as well with many swimmers who take part in various freestyle swimming contests due to the speed in which you can swim. Here is how you can learn to swim using the side stroke technique.

Instructions

1. The side stroke begins with you floating on your stomach in the water. Your body should remain balanced and the focus of the side stroke is work both sides of your body equally when you swim to propel yourself. This means extend your legs out and your arms to your side where your body is equal on both sides.

2. To start swimming the side stroke, kick your feet up and down in the water. This will move your body forward and you will use your legs the entire time so do not stop kicking.

3. With your feet in motion, now start moving your arms to start swimming the side stroke. Your arms should move opposite the other where one arm should extend in front of your body and connect to the water as your other arm is extended behind you at the end of the stroke.

4. Rotate your arms one out, connect to the water and swing through the water and bring it out of the water behind your body. This will form a windmill looking motion with your upper body and at this point you should be swimming fast in the water.

5. The harder your kick with your feet and push water with your arms, the faster you will swim the sidestroke in the water.

6. While your arms are rotating from fully extended to coming out of the water you should be breathing side by side as well. When one arm comes out of the water, you should be facing that side when you swim and breathe. When your other arm comes out of the water you should turn that way and breathe.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning how to swim the side stroke is a fun form and style to learn which is a great place for most beginners to start. If you are new to swimming be sure to practice in shallow water with an experienced swimmer nearby in case you need any help.