Freestyle Swimming

In freestyle swimming, there is no one specific style that swimmers have to use. However, the front crawl is the one most often used. For swimming competitions involving distances, swimmers can choose the front crawl, dog paddle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly stroke or sidestroke or even a stroke of their own invention if they wish. However, in medley competitions in freestyle swimming, the breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly stroke are not permitted.

When you are part of a freestyle competition, you have to touch the wall of the pool at every turn and when you finish the race. Some part of your body has to be above the water all through the race except for the first 15 metres of the race and on the turns. The key to being successful in freestyle swimming competitions is to let your body act like a fish in the water. There are certain techniques that you can use to achieve this goal. You do need to practice the techniques in order to be able to use them well.

The technique of fluid freestyle swimming is to practice swimming on your side very often, such as 2 – 3 times a week. As you swim, slowly rotate your body from one position to the next and back again. This way you get a feel for what your body is doing. The aim is to glide through the water and to swim faster with fewer strokes that will use up your energy.

To maintain perfect balance in the water swim on your left side with your right side exposed on the surface of the water. Only your face will be on the top of the water for breathing and your left arm should be stretched out in front of you. This is slippery body position in which you will feel weightless. You should also practice kicking when swimming on your ides. If you are too weak to be able to do this, practice your kick while wearing fins.