10 Different Types Of Swimming Styles and Strokes

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By Peter Baker

Swimming is more than just a refreshing escape from the heat; it’s an intricate dance of technique and style, where each stroke tells its own story. Understanding the different types of swimming strokes can enhance your performance and enjoyment, whether gliding effortlessly through the water or splashing your way to fitness

From the graceful ballet of the butterfly to the smooth rhythm of freestyle, each stroke offers distinct advantages and challenges that cater to various skill levels and goals.

Here you will find 10 different types of swimming styles and strokes, each with unique mechanics and benefits. So, let’s get started to navigate through these captivating strokes that define aquatic excellence.

What Are Swimming Strokes?

These are specific techniques used by swimmers to propel themselves through water. Each stroke has its unique mechanics, rhythm, and body positioning, which can significantly impact a swimmer’s efficiency and speed. 

10 Different Types Of Swimming Styles and Strokes

There are different types of swim strokes. The most common swimming styles include:

  • Freestyle (Front Crawl)
  • Backstroke
  • Breaststroke
  • Butterfly
  • Individual Medley (IM)
  • Sidestroke
  • Elementary Backstroke
  • Trudgen Stroke
  • Dog Paddle
  • Combat Swim Stroke

Freestyle (Front Crawl)

It is one of the most popular and efficient swimming techniques. Start this by setting a comfortable lying position on your stomach in the water.

Freestyle (Front Crawl)

Your body should be straight and parallel to the surface, which helps reduce drag. The key to moving forward lies in your arm movements; think of them like a windmill where each arm alternates between pushing underwater and recovering above it.

This motion will move you forward and also keep your body balanced in the water. The flutter kick with your legs is essential for maintaining speed and stability. Keep your legs straight with pointed toes as they move up and down without bending at the knees.

Timing your breathing is crucial too, turn your head to the side when your arm is out of the water during recovery to take a breath without disrupting your stroke.

Remember not to turn too far upward; otherwise, you might find yourself sinking instead of gliding smoothly through the water.  You’ll become more comfortable with this technique and enjoy swimming even more with practice.

Backstroke

It involves movements that are quite similar to the front crawl, but as the name implies, you perform it while lying on your back.

Backstroke

To do the backstroke, float on your back and move your arms in a circular, windmill-like fashion to push yourself backward. Just like in front crawl, start each arm movement by pushing down into the water before bringing it out above the surface. Your legs should be doing a flutter kick.

Keep your face above water and look straight up at the sky. Try to keep your body as straight as possible, tilting just slightly downward from your hips so that your legs stay submerged.

Avoid letting your hips sink too low or bending too much; otherwise, you’ll slow down. Keep your legs close together and use movement from your hips for a stronger kick.

You should keep your face out of the water, and remember to pay attention to how you’re breathing—try to sync it with your arm strokes.

Breaststroke

This stroke is the slowest of the competitive swimming strokes, but it’s also one of the most accessible for beginners. Many people start learning to swim with this stroke because it allows them to keep their heads above water, making it less intimidating.

Breaststroke

The technique involves a unique combination of arm and leg movements that work together to propel you forward while keeping your body in a streamlined position.

To master the breaststroke, timing is key. You need to coordinate your arm strokes and leg kicks effectively. As your arms move in a half-circle under the water, your legs should perform the whip kick simultaneously.

This means that when your arms are pushing you forward, your legs can rest and streamline behind you, allowing for continuous movement without losing momentum. With practice, you can improve your efficiency in this stroke and enjoy it.

Butterfly

This stroke is a challenging but exhilarating swimming technique that offers a fantastic workout for both the upper and lower body.

To master it, you’ll need to synchronize your arm movements with your dolphin kick, creating a smooth, wave-like motion. This coordination can be tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes more natural.

Butterfly

You should keep your legs together and maintain a steady rhythm as you swim; this will help you glide through the water more efficiently.

Breathing is also an important key aspect of the butterfly stroke. Timing your breaths correctly is essential for maintaining speed and fluidity. As your arms come out of the water, lift your head forward to take a breath without turning it to the side.

This position helps keep your body streamlined and minimizes resistance in the water. It may take some time to get comfortable with all these elements, but many swimmers find that once they do.

Individual Medley (IM)

The Individual Medley (IM) is a unique swimming event that combines four different strokes in a specific order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Swimmers start with the butterfly stroke, which involves moving both arms simultaneously while kicking downwards with a dolphin kick. After completing the designated distance for the butterfly, they transition to backstroke, where they swim on their backs using an alternating arm movement and a flutter kick.

Individual Medley (IM)

Once the backstroke segment is finished, swimmers switch to breaststroke. This stroke requires a frog-like kick and simultaneous arm movements that pull through the water in a circular motion. Finally, swimmers end with freestyle, which is usually front crawl.

Freestyle allows for the fastest speed as athletes can use any stroke they prefer; however, most choose to swim front crawl because it’s efficient and quick. The IM showcases versatility and skill across all four strokes.

Sidestroke

This style is not commonly seen in competitive swimming, but it plays a vital role in water safety. The sidestroke involves lying on your side, using a scissor kick for propulsion, and alternating your arm movements to help you glide through the water.

It is relatively easy to learn, making it accessible for swimmers of all skill levels. It can add some variety to your usual swim routine.  A fun way that seems like a movement is by imagining you’re picking apples, one arm reaches up high like you’re grabbing an apple from a tree, then brings it down to hand off to your other arm before that arm tosses it behind you.

This playful analogy makes remembering the technique easier and adds a bit of creativity to your practice.

Elementary Backstroke

It is a great choice for beginners as it combines simple movements that are easy to learn and remember. The unique reversed breaststroke kick helps swimmers stay afloat while their arms move in a coordinated way beneath the water.

This stroke builds confidence and also teaches essential skills like floating and breathing.

Elementary Backstroke

Instructors often use fun, imaginative names to make learning more engaging for beginners. For example, asking them to bring their hands to their armpits like a monkey or spread their arms like an airplane makes practice feel playful rather than daunting.

These creative cues help young swimmers grasp the technique quickly, making elementary backstroke a popular first step in their swimming journey.

Trudgen Stroke

This stroke is named after the English swimmer John Trudgen, who popularized it in the late 19th century. It’s a fascinating technique that combines elements of both sidestroke and freestyle, allowing swimmers to maintain a streamlined position while keeping their heads above water.

This makes it especially useful for those who may not be comfortable with their face submerged. In this stroke, swimmers alternate lifting each arm out of the water and over their heads while swimming mostly on their side.

The unique scissor kick adds a rhythmic element to the movement; when one arm is extended forward, the legs prepare for a powerful kick that helps propel the swimmer forward. This stroke promotes good body alignment and also provides an excellent workout for the arms and legs.

Dog Paddle

It is a basic swimming stroke that many people use when they first learn to swim. It’s characterized by a simple, instinctive motion where the swimmer uses their arms and legs in a way that resembles how dogs swim.

Dog Paddle

In this stroke, the arms move in a circular motion while the legs kick gently behind, helping to keep the swimmer afloat. It’s an effective way for beginners to stay above water without the need to master more complex strokes.

This dog paddle may not be as efficient or fast as other swimming techniques like freestyle or breaststroke, but it’s still an important skill for new swimmers.

It allows them to feel comfortable and confident in the water, making it a great starting point for those who are just getting acquainted with swimming.

Combat Swim Stroke

It is a unique swimming technique that combines elements of breaststroke, freestyle, and sidestroke. This method is used for Navy SEALs as it allows them to move efficiently through the water while keeping a low profile.

By reducing their visibility, they can navigate stealthily during missions that require surface swimming. The stroke emphasizes balance, length, and rotation, which are crucial for maintaining speed and energy conservation.

Learning this stroke can be challenging due to its complexity. Swimmers need to master the coordination of their arms and legs and also focus on body positioning in the water.

With practice and proper guidance, anyone can develop this skill. 

Basic Skills

Here are the five basic skills that every swimmer should master.

Proper breathing technique is crucial for efficient swimming.

Basic Skills

Learning to glide with your face down builds confidence and improves body position. 

Coordinate various body parts, like arms, legs, and core muscles during movement.

Familiarity with different stroke techniques.

Best Way To Become A Good Swimmer

To improve your swimming skills starting with lessons is a fantastic idea, no matter your age or experience. SwimJim offers a range of classes tailored to different skill levels, so you can find the perfect fit for where you are right now.

If you’re a beginner or looking to refine your strokes, their instructors will guide you through the basics and help you build confidence in the water.

Once you’ve chosen your level, remember that practice is key. The more time you spend swimming, the more comfortable you’ll become with various strokes. With dedication and regular practice at SwimJim or any pool nearby, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a great swimmer.

Conclusion

Mastering the various swimming strokes will enhance your performance in the water and also adds variety to your workouts. From the graceful flutter of freestyle to the rhythmic movements of breaststroke, each stroke offers unique benefits and challenges.

Understanding these different swimming styles can help swimmers of all levels improve their skills and enjoy a more fulfilling aquatic experience. Exploring these 10 different types of swimming styles and strokes can keep you engaged and motivated, whether you’re looking to compete or simply swim for leisure. So, grab your goggles and dive into the world of swimming, there’s a whole new technique waiting for you to discover.

FAQ’s

What Is The Difference Between Crawl Stroke And Freestyle Swimming?

These are often used interchangeably, but technically, the crawl stroke refers specifically to the technique of swimming on your stomach with alternating arm movements and a flutter kick. Freestyle is a broader term that allows swimmers to use any stroke they prefer, but in competitions, it usually means using the crawl stroke for speed.

Which Swimming Stroke Is Most Popular?

The freestyle stroke, also known as the front crawl, is the most popular swimming stroke due to its speed and efficiency. It’s commonly used in competitive swimming and is often the first stroke taught to beginners because it’s relatively easy to learn.

Why Do Swimmers Use Different Strokes?

Swimmers use different strokes to engage various muscle groups and improve their overall technique and speed. Each stroke offers unique challenges and benefits, allowing swimmers to develop versatility in the water.

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