Physical Education

Unit - 7

7.2.5.Tips while learning all the swimming strokes
When executing any swimming stroke, there are a number of basic principles to bear in mind that will make the stroke most effective. It is important that the torso and legs are kept as parallel as possible to the surface of the water. If they drop, drag against the water will increase and slow the swimmer down. The hands should be extended as far in front of the head as possible, thereby increasing the length and the speed of the stroke. When swimming front crawl, the time spent on the side should be maximised, as the shoulders will break the water-line and produce bow waves. The narrower the width and the longer the length, the less impact water drag will have. To further reduce the frontal-cross section, the narrowest direction of head, hands, legs and arms should be oriented into the water.
It is also essential that swimmers learn good breathing techniques as this will allow for greater speed and endurance. Competitive swimmers take in one breath and gradually let it out over three or four strokes. As swimmers become more tired, it becomes difficult for oxygen to get to the muscles and thus it is necessary that competitive swimmers train themselves to keep going on low levels of oxygen. A good training technique is attempting to cross a swimming pool underwater or by letting one breath last over six strokes.