Swim Stroke Technique

The swim stroke technique is one of the simplest swim techniques that you can learn. This technique can get you started with using swimming as a healthy form of exercise, or it might be one of the first moves you learn when you join a swim class or team and make your way toward becoming an amateur swimmer.

1. Kick softly. As you move through the water and execute the swim stroke technique, your legs should stay mostly underwater kicking softly. You might think that kicking rapidly or harder will help you move faster, but it will actually waste energy. Keep the kicks small and steady.
2. Rotate your body. As you stroke through the water, your body should be moving gently back and forth. When you reach forward with your right hand, for example, turn your head to the left and take this opportunity to take a breath.
3. Start the stroke correctly. The swim stroke technique is all about how your arms move with the water. Each arm should be lifted out of the water above your head. Rotate it around and back into the water. Then, pull the water toward you with your hand open, which will help you swim faster.
4. Complete the stroke. You might be tempted to pull your arm right up out of the water gain. However, for a proper swim stroke technique, you need to stroke your hand all the way back to your waste before pulling it out of the water again. As you get tired, you will be tempted to shorten your stroke, but this is not the proper swim stroke technique.
5. Pay close attention to your head position. Swim with your head down but tilted slightly upward. Your hairline should be just below the water. This will help reduce resistance caused by your head, making the swim stroke technique more effective.