My Awesome Swimming Files
by Hailey Wong (5G)
My favourite sport is swimming. You get to dip in the cool and shimmering water and swim. It’s a really relaxing activity, and I love when the water flows by. Do you like swimming? If you do, stay tuned as I’m going to share my facts about swimming!
1. Facts and tips about freestyle swimming
Freestyle is by far the most common known stroke in the world. Races and other disciplines also use freestyle the most. In 1873, a British swimmer named John Trudgen changed the stroke mechanics from a flutter kick to a hard, scissor kick, giving the stroke the nickname of the “Trudgen Stroke”.
If you learn about freestyle, I suggest you first practice kicking your feet in a steady rhythm with a kickboard. Then you should try to practice your stroke without breathing underwater, in case you mess up. As you practice more, you can try doing the freestyle strokes and kicking together, while controlling your breaths. This was the most efficient way for me to practice when I was new to the stroke.
Freestyle swimming requires technique, so pay attention to my tips!
2. Suggestions on backstroke swimming
The backstroke has the most average speed in all of the four strokes. Within the four strokes, freestyle and butterfly strokes are usually at the top, while breaststroke usually comes in last, although personal experience will vary. Backstroke is similar to freestyle, except that backstroke is freestyle with his/hers back turned into the air. Backstroke is also the only stroke in the four strokes swum on the back.
Many beginners find it difficult to float on the water while swimming backstroke. I suggest you first try to float with arms out. It is also efficient to flutter kick while floating to get used to the stroke.
These tips are good for the backstroke after you get the hang of the basic stroke: Make sure you turn your body every time you move your arm; this will make the stroking easier. Don’t flutter kick too hard; this will make you more tired and this will slow you down. Make sure your arms are straight; many beginners (including myself once) always slow down because of this.
3. Advice on breaststroke swimming
Breaststroke is hard to control, because of the stroke’s many steps. But in the world, the breaststroke is the most popular relaxation style. Here are some tips:
a) The breaststroke consists of five steps: Controlling your body position; the arm movement; breathing; leg action; and the gliding part.
b) Do NOT rush the gliding part, as it is the fastest part of the stroke. Holding the gliding position for at least one to two seconds is best.
c) Keep your feet in a flat-footed position when performing the kick.
4. Last but not least- butterfly stroke
The butterfly stroke is one of the most difficult strokes to master. It is sometimes referred to as “Fly” for short. This stroke requires very exact technique, strength and rhythm. It does require a lot of practice to perfect it, but when you have it right, it is one of the most rewarding, respected and pleasing swimming styles currently used in competition. Being able to perform a good butterfly stroke is the hallmark of a true competitive swimmer. Here is some of my advice on the stroke:
1) Use the correct arm movement. The arm movement in butterfly stroke can be broken down into three parts: the pull, the push and the recovery. Practice drills for the arm movement include doing a one-armed butterfly stroke and using repetitive arm strokes.
2) Master the dolphin kick. The “dolphin kick” s the name given to the dolphin-like kick of the legs used in butterfly strokes. Imagine yourself as a dolphin or mermaid kicking their tails in the water. You can also practice your dolphin kick using a kickboard or pushing off of the poolside.
3) I think the most important part of the stroke is learning how to breathe correctly. It’s because the breath has to be perfectly timed and completed as soon as your arms recover back into position. An important note about breathing is try not to breathe every time the stroke is complete. Try breathing every other time or less. Of course, if it is a long race, you might have to breathe more, but try to balance out the breathing, speed and movement.
The breaststroke is key to master, and a personal favourite of mine
These are all of my tips for every stroke. I hope these come in handy when you’re learning to swim. Swimming is a healthy sport and I hope everyone loves swimming as much as I do!