8 Different Swimming Styles You Must Master

Swimming is a versatile and rewarding activity that not only offers a full-body workout but also provides an enjoyable way to stay fit. To truly excel in the water, mastering various swimming styles is essential. Each style targets different muscle groups and offers a unique set of challenges.

Whether you're a novice swimmer or an experienced aquatic enthusiast, mastering different swimming styles can not only add diversity to your routine but also contribute to your overall swimming prowess. In this article, we will explore eight distinct swimming styles that every aspiring swimmer should strive to master.

Several Swimming Styles You Have To Know

Swimming offers various styles that cater to different preferences and skill levels. There are several swimming styles, each with its own unique technique and purpose. Here are some of the most common swimming styles:

1. Freestyle/Front Crawl

Freestyle, also known as front crawl, is the most popular and fastest swimming style. It is characterized by alternating arm movements and flutter kicking. The swimmer lies on their stomach and propels themselves forward using a rhythmic and continuous motion. 

Steps: 

• Start by floating on the water's surface with your face down. 
• Extend your arms forward and kick your legs in a fluttering motion. 
• As one arm reaches forward, the other arm pulls through the water in a circular motion. 
• Keep your body position horizontal and rotate your body slightly to breathe on one side while maintaining the arm and leg movements. 
• Repeat the arm strokes and flutter kicks in a coordinated manner for a smooth and efficient swim. 

2. Backstroke

Backstroke is swum on the back, with a flutter kick and alternating arm movements. It is a great style for beginners as the face remains above the water, allowing for easy breathing. 

Steps: 

• Start floating on your back with your body in a horizontal position. 
• Flutter kicks your legs in an up-and-down motion. 
• Move your arms in a continuous circular motion, one after the other. Keep your face above the water and breathe freely. 
• Maintain a steady rhythm and straight body position for an efficient backstroke. 

3. Breaststroke

Breaststroke is characterized by a frog-like kick and simultaneous arm movements. It is known for its slower pace but is energy-efficient, making it a popular choice for recreational swimmers. 

Steps: 

• Begin in a horizontal position with your face in the water. 
• Perform a frog kick by bringing your heels towards your buttocks and then kicking them outward. 
• Simultaneously, move your arms in a circular motion, pulling them in towards your chest and pushing them forward. 
• Glide briefly before the next kick and arm movement. 
• Coordinate your breathing with the arm movements, inhaling as you pull your arms in and exhaling as you kick. 

4. Butterfly

Butterfly is a demanding and powerful swimming style characterized by a dolphin kick and simultaneous arm movements. It requires strength and coordination and is often used in competitive swimming. 

Steps: 

• Start in a horizontal position with your face in the water. 
• Perform a dolphin kick by moving both legs in an up-and-down motion simultaneously. 
• As your legs kick down, your arms move in a circular motion, pushing the water outward and then pulling it back towards your body. 
• Keep your body undulating in a fluid motion, resembling the movement of a dolphin. 
• Breathe by lifting your head out of the water during the arm recovery phase. 

5. Sidestroke

Sidestroke is a relaxed and leisurely style that is often used for long-distance swimming. It involves a scissor kick and alternating arm movements. 

Steps: 

• Lie on your side in a horizontal position, with one arm extended forward and the other arm by your side. 
• Perform a scissor kick by moving your top leg forward and your bottom leg backward in a scissor-like motion. 
• Simultaneously, move your extended arm in a circular motion, propelling yourself forward. 
• Switch sides periodically to ensure balanced muscle use. 
• Breathe easily by turning your head to the side without lifting it out of the water. 

6. Elementary Backstroke

Elementary backstroke is a simple and easy-to-learn style often taught to beginners. It involves a backward arm movement and a frog-like kick. 

Steps: 

• Float on your back with your arms extended forward. 
• Perform a frog kick by bringing your knees towards your chest and then kicking them outward. 
• Move your arms in a circular motion, pushing the water outward and then pulling it back towards your body. 
• Keep your body relaxed and buoyant. 
• Breathe freely as your face remains above the water. 

7. Combat Side Stroke

The Combat Side Stroke is a modified sidestroke often used by military personnel for its efficiency and stealth. It minimizes the exposure of the head above the water. 

Steps: 

• Begin in a similar position to the traditional sidestroke, lying on your side. 
• Perform a scissor kick while keeping one arm extended forward and the other arm by your side. 
• Rotate your body to switch sides periodically. 
• Use a modified breathing technique, keeping the face close to the water to reduce visibility. 
• The Combat Side Stroke emphasizes minimizing splashing for stealthy movement. 

8. Trudgen

Trudgen is an historical swimming style that combines elements of both arm movements and a flutter kick. It originated in the late 19th century and was popular for long-distance swimming. 

Steps: 

• Begin with a flutter kick while keeping your body in a horizontal position. 
• Perform a scissor kick with one arm extended forward and the other arm by your side. 
• As one arm pulls through the water, the other arm recovers above the water. 
• Coordinate the arm movements with the flutter kick for a continuous and efficient swim. 
• Trudgen allows for a rhythmic and smooth swimming motion, suitable for covering long distances.

Make a Splash With Confidence, Style, and Skill!

Becoming a well-rounded swimmer involves mastering various swimming styles. Each style offers a unique set of challenges and benefits, contributing to improved technique, strength, and overall swimming proficiency.

Unlock the potential of your aquatic prowess with Rockstar Academy's enticing free trial of our Sports & Performing Arts Academy's swimming program. Our program is designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners seeking water confidence to seasoned swimmers aiming to elevate their performance. 

Rockstar Academy's swimming program features an exciting highlight: RockOlympics. This event offers a distinct chance for students, starting as young as 1 year old, to propel themselves past their limits and relish the fruits of their dedication and hard work. 

It's an exceptional opportunity that encourages personal growth and celebrates achievements in the pool. For parents, the RockOlympics stands as a profoundly rewarding and fulfilling occasion, providing a platform to witness firsthand the remarkable progress and accomplishments of their cherished children.

Take advantage of Rockstar Academy's free trial to experience firsthand the innovative and dynamic approach we bring to aquatic education. Join us at Rockstar Academy and let the water be your stage for success!

FAQ

1. How many swimming styles are there? 

There are several swimming styles, including freestyle/front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, sidestroke, elementary backstroke, combat side stroke, and trudgen. 

2. What is the easiest swimming technique? 

The elementary backstroke is often considered the easiest swimming technique. It features a simple frog-like kick and backward arm movements, making it beginner-friendly and suitable for those new to swimming.