By
eHow Sports & Fitness Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
Visualize a line running down the center of your body from your chin to your chest. This line is the axis upon which your whole body should pivot, and it should extend horizontally in the direction you are swimming.
Step2
Keep your legs straight, but not rigid, with your toes pointed out, and kick up and down. Continue kicking the entire time.
Step3
Move your arms in a windmill motion opposite each other. While one arm is extended completely out, the other should be all the way back, almost against the side of your body.
Step4
Keep your hands flat, thumb separated from the index finger and pull the extended arm through the water beneath your body. Bend your arm at the elbow and draw your fingertips along the imaginary line down the center of your body.
Step5
Lift your other arm out of the water and move it all the way forward as the first arm is pulling beneath you. Bend at the elbow and drag your fingertips along the surface of the water. Penetrate the water with your fingertips and completely extend the arm.
Step6
Breathe on one side by turning your head to that side as the arm comes out of the water.
Comments
Paul4212 said
on 7/21/2008 I found a printout from this site, dated 08/03/00. I had many neck and back surgeries and could not workout or run for exercise. I went to the gym to walk in the water since I did not know how to swim! I was 60 years old. I found your website, evidently on 08/03/00, and started watching swimmers, and reading the steps and tips over and over. Here I am, 8 years later and swimming a mile in 39-41 minutes. I swim every day and get compliments on my form. What a rush! I have always kept your "steps" in my head and was surprised to find the print out. Was pleased to see this page still here. It helped me immensly. Paul Oscar
Paul4212 said
on 7/21/2008 Today I found a printout of this page, dated 08/03/2000. After several neck and back surgeries, I couldnot use exercise equipment or run. Our gym has a pool, so I started walking in the water...walking laps. As I walked I watched people swim, freestyle and thought..."I can do that!" I found your website (happy to see it is still here) and used your steps and tips, along with watching and imitating other swimmers and, at times, asking questions. I was 60 years old at the time. To swim one lap in a 25 yd pool, was a real chore. Now, eight years later, I am swimming a mile in 39-41 minutes, depending on how hard I want to beat my personal best of 38.62 minutes. Yes, I see the kids do laps at a rate of a 20 min mile and think...why not! Your page(s) on frestyle swimming instruction are terrific. I have used your simple advice as my mantra. Thakn you so much. Paul Oscar...fit in Wa
alokverma said
on 6/9/2007 Don't you think adding a sketch illustrating the dufferent steps would help people understand better?
alokverma said
on 6/9/2007 Don't you think adding a sketch illustrating the dufferent steps would help people understand better?
alokverma said
on 6/9/2007 Don't you think adding a sketch illustrating the dufferent steps would help people understand better?