Things You'll Need:
- bathing suit
- goggles
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Step 1
Move Your Arms. Freestyle swimming starts by moving your arms through the water at alternating times (stroke) while the other arm is above the water (recovery), almost like a pinwheel motion. This is combined with an alternating and continuous freestyle kick.
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Step 2
Keep your Head Down. Correct body position starts with your head alignment. Start with your body parallel to the water and with your face in the water. Make sure that your head looks straight down into the water. Many beginners will try to pick their head out of the water during the stroke. This only creates stress and drag on the body.
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Step 3
Breathe. Slightly cup your hands and begin the alternating stroke motion. Breathe out while your face is in the water. When you need to take a breath, follow your dominant hand with your eyes. When your hand comes out of the water by your hip and your face is out of the water take a breath. Continue watch your hand in the recovery faze. As your hand enters the water, begin to breathe out again.
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Step 4
Add the Kick. Make sure you add an alternating up/down kick into your stroke. You may feel that the faster you kick the better and faster you will swim. Although this is somewhat true, as a beginner you may want to slow down your cadence to keep yourself afloat as you learn to alternate your arm strokes and improve your breathing during strokes.
