Learn Different Types of Swimming Styles and Strokes

Swimming is not just a recreational activity; it is a skill that can save lives, provide a full-body
workout, and offer endless enjoyment. Whether you're a beginner dipping your toes into the
pool for the first time or an experienced swimmer looking to refine your technique,
mastering different swim styles and strokes is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we'll
explore eight distinct swim styles and strokes, along with tips on how to learn them, grasp
the basics of swimming, and advance your swimming skills.

1. Freestyle/Front Crawl
2. Backstroke
3. Breaststroke/Frog style
4. Sidestroke
5. Combat sidestroke
6. How to Learn the Different Swimming Styles and Strokes?
7. Building the Foundation for Swimming
8. How to Learn the Basics of Swimming
9. How to Become Better at Swimming After Learning the Basics?
10. Frequently Asked Questions on Swimming

Freestyle/Front Crawl

The freestyle, also known as the front crawl, is arguably the most popular swim stroke. A
flutter kick and an alternating arm motion characterise it.

To learn the freestyle, start by practising your breathing technique. Breathe in through your
mouth when your face is out of the water and exhale through your nose when your face is
submerged. Focus on maintaining a streamlined body position, with your head in line with
your spine and your body parallel to the surface facing the water. Mastering bilateral
breathing, where you alternate breathing on both sides, can enhance your efficiency and
endurance in freestyle swimming.

Propel your body forward by alternating your arms in a rotary motion, and using your legs to
help you flutter kick the water. Flutter kick by moving your legs up and down without
bending your knees. Coordinate all these movements together and you have learnt how to
swim the freestyle stroke.

Learn more about freestyle/front crawl strokes.

Team Singapore Athlete Spotlight

Amanda Lim specialises in freestyle swimming. Amanda is a national swimmer and a multiple medallist at the SEA Games. Amanda’s latest
achievement includes a Gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games for the
Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay and a Silver medal for the Women’s 50m Freestyle also at the 2023 SEA Games.

Backstroke

The backstroke is performed on your back, with a flutter kick and an alternating arm motion similar to freestyle. However, it’s different such that instead of lying on your torso facing the water, you lie face up with your back against the water.

To learn the backstroke, start by floating on your back with your arms extended overhead and your body in a horizontal position. Practice your flutter kick while keeping your body relaxed and your face looking up towards the ceiling or sky.

Be mindful of your breathing as breathing too deeply will cause your body to sink more and might accidentally submerge your face. This is dangerous as you might choke on the water. As you become more comfortable with the leg motion and breathing pattern, add in the arm motion similar to freestyle strokes, focusing on a high elbow recovery and a smooth entry of the hand into the water.

Team Singapore Athlete Spotlight

Zachary Ian Tan specialises in the Backstroke swim. Zachary is a multiple medallist at the SEA Games. Zachary’s latest achievement includes a Bronze medal at the 2023 SEA Games for the Men’s 200m Individual Medley.

Breaststroke/Frog Style

The breaststroke, which is used interchangeably with frog style, is characterised by a frog-like kick and a simultaneous arm motion, similar to that of a frog.

To learn the breaststroke, face down with your body parallel to the water and start by mastering the kick. Bend your knees and bring your heels towards your buttocks before quickly extending your legs outward and then squeezing them together. As you kick, initiate the arm motion by pulling your hands towards your chest, then extending them forward and outward in a circular motion. Coordinate your breathing with your arm motion, inhaling as you pull your arms in and exhaling as you extend them forward.

The motions combined together look somewhat like a frog swimming in the water, which is how the name “frog style” came about.

Learn more about how to swim breast stroke.

Team Singapore Athlete Spotlight

Maximillian Ang specialises in the breaststroke swim. Maximillian is a national swimmer and a multiple medallist at the SEA Games. Maximillian’s latest achievement includes two Bronze medals at the 2023 SEA Games for the Men’s 100m and 200m Breaststroke.

Butterfly Stroke

The butterfly is often considered the most challenging swim stroke due to its demanding technique and power requirements. Although demanding, it is definitely one of the more fun strokes to learn. It is also a popular competitive swimming stroke, a favourite of Olympic legend, Michael Phelps. Our Team Singapore National Athlete, Joseph Isaac Schooling, also achieved Singapore’s first ever Olympics Gold Medal in the 100m butterfly event.

It is characterised by a simultaneous dolphin kick and an over-the-water recovery of the arms. To learn the butterfly, start by practising the dolphin kick. Keep your legs together and undulate them in a fluid motion, generating power from your hips and core. As you kick, coordinate the arm motion by pulling both arms simultaneously through the water in an outward circular motion, then sweeping them forward and upward above the surface. The best opportunity to breathe is when your arms are just coming out of the water. Timing and coordination are crucial in mastering the butterfly stroke.

Learn more about how to swim butterfly stroke.

Team Singapore Athlete Spotlight

Quah Zheng Wen specialises in the butterfly swim stroke. Zheng Wen will be competing in his 3^rd Olympic campaign. He reached the semi-finals of the Men’s 100m and 200m butterfly events in Rio 2016. Zheng Wen’s latest achievement includes attaining a Gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games for the Men’s 100m Butterfly.

Sidestroke

The sidestroke is a relaxing and efficient swim stroke that is often used for long-distance swimming or survival situations, not so much for competitive purposes. It is characterised by a scissor kick and a long-reaching arm motion.

To learn the sidestroke, start by floating on your side with one arm extended overhead and the other arm resting by your side. Practice your scissor kick, where one leg kicks outward while the other leg kicks inward, generating propulsion. Coordinate your arm motion by pulling the extended arm down towards your hip while the other arm sweeps forward and then returns to the starting position. Once you master this stroke, it comes in as a useful skill when you need to pull someone along with you in life-saving situations.

Combat Sidestroke

The combat sidestroke is a versatile swim stroke that is often used by military personnel for stealthy and efficient swimming in combat situations. It combines elements of the sidestroke and the breaststroke. This is more common in military settings, but it is good to know.

To learn the combat sidestroke, start by floating on your side with one arm extended overhead and the other arm resting by your side. Perform a scissor kick, similar to the sidestroke, while simultaneously performing a modified breaststroke arm motion. This involves pulling the extended arm down towards your hip while the other arm sweeps forward and then returns to the starting position.

How to Learn the Different Swimming Styles and Strokes?

Learning the different swim styles and strokes requires patience, practice, and proper technique. Here are some tips to help you master each stroke:

1. Start Slow: Begin with the basics and focus on mastering one stroke at a time before moving on to the next.
2. Seek Instruction: Consider taking swim lessons from a certified instructor who can provide guidance and feedback on your technique.
3. Practice Consistently: Dedicate regular time to practice each stroke, focusing on proper form and technique.
4. Use Drills: Incorporate drills and exercises specific to each stroke to improve your efficiency and endurance.
5. Record Yourself: Use video recording to analyse your technique and identify areas for improvement.
6. Stay Patient: Learning to swim takes time and perseverance, so don't get discouraged if progress is slow.

Building the Foundation for Swimming

Before diving into the intricacies of different swim styles and strokes, it's important to grasp the basics of swimming. These fundamentals form the foundation upon which all other skills are built:

1. Floating: Learning to float on your front and back is essential for feeling comfortable and safe in the water.
2. Breathing: Mastering proper breathing techniques is crucial for maintaining stamina and endurance while swimming. Learn more about breathing techniques.
3. Kicking: Developing a strong and efficient kick helps to propel you through the water and maintain forward momentum.
4. Arm Motion: Coordinating your arm motion with your kick is essential for generating propulsion and speed.
5. Body Position: Maintaining a streamlined body position reduces drag and maximises efficiency in the water.
6. Coordination: Synchronizing your breathing, kicking, and arm motion is key to swimming efficiently and effectively.

Learning the Basics of Swimming

If you're new to swimming or looking to improve your skills, here are some steps to help you learn the basics:

1. Take Lessons: Enrol in swim lessons taught by a certified instructor who can provide personalised guidance and feedback.
2. Start Shallow: Begin in shallow water where you can touch the bottom and gradually progress to deeper water as you become more confident.
3. Practice Floating: Spend time practising floating on your front and back to develop a sense of buoyancy and relaxation in the water.
4. Focus on Breathing: Practice rhythmic breathing by inhaling through your mouth and exhaling through your nose while swimming.
5. Work on Kicking: Practice various kicking drills to develop strength, flexibility, and coordination in your legs.
6. Perfect Your Form: Pay attention to your body position, arm motion, and kicking technique, adjusting as and when required in order to improve your efficiency and speed

Becoming Better at Swimming After Learning the Basics?

Once you've mastered the basics of swimming, there are several ways to continue improving your skills and becoming a better swimmer:

1. Set Goals: Establish specific, measurable goals to help guide your progress and keep you motivated.
2. Challenge Yourself: Push yourself out of your comfort zone by trying new swim strokes, distances, or training techniques.
3. Seek Feedback: Continue to seek feedback from coaches, instructors, or experienced swimmers to identify areas for improvement.
4. Cross-Train: Incorporate cross-training activities such as strength training, yoga, or Pilates to enhance your overall fitness and prevent injury.
5. Stay Consistent: Dedicate regular time to swimming practice to maintain and build upon your skills.
6. Stay Positive: Celebrate your progress and successes along the way, and don't be afraid to learn from setbacks or challenges.

You can also learn how to swim faster.

In conclusion, mastering different swim styles and strokes is a rewarding journey that offers a multitude of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Whether you're a beginner just learning to float or an experienced swimmer striving for peak performance, the key is to approach each stroke with curiosity, patience, and determination. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you can unlock your potential in swimming and embark on a lifelong pursuit of aquatic excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions on Swimming