Learn Basic Swimming Techniques

As a beginner, it is important to learn a few basic swimming techniques.

Learning these basic techniques will allow you to feel confident and comfortable in the water.

If you then tackle learning the common swimming strokes, you will be more relaxed in the process and the task will seem easier.

Below you will find an overview of the basic swimming techniques covered on this website.

Overcoming Fear of Water and Swimming

Fear of Water can have several causes, which we discuss.

Then we use practical exercises such as blowing bubbles, bobbing up and down, mushroom float, and many more, to reduce your anxiety and make you more comfortable around large bodies of water.

Learning the Flutter Kick

The flutter kick is a simple yet effective swimming technique where your legs execute kind of a whipping motion.

As a beginner you should learn to do this technique in a prone and in a supine position. You’ll be then able to use the flutter kick to tread water and to swim dog paddle.

Later on, you’ll use this technique while swimming backstroke and the front crawl.

How to Do the Starfish Float

The starfish float is a basic swimming technique in which you float on your back with your arms and legs spread apart. This article explains how to do the starfish float.

Learning the Breaststroke Kick

As a beginner, it is also important to know the breaststroke kick, even though it’s more difficult to learn than the flutter kick.

Beginners can use the breaststroke kick to tread water and to swim elementary backstroke.

Later on, the breaststroke kick will be used while swimming breaststroke.

Sculling Water

Sculling water is another basic swimming technique.

Basically, you float in an upright position with your head above water and with your arms extended sideways at shoulder level.

You use quick sweeping movements of your arms at the water surface to stay afloat.

This technique is best used in combination with a kicking movement of the feet (see below).

Treading Water

Treading water allows you to stay afloat in the same spot while keeping your head above water and your body upright.

It is a very useful technique when you need to orient yourself in the water or to observe something that happens around you on land.

Learning how to tread water is easy once you know how to flutter kick and how to scull water.

Treading water is then simply a matter of being able to combine both swimming techniques.

Dog Paddle

Dog paddle or doggy paddle is also a basic swimming technique.

You float in the water in a more or less horizontal position and keep your head above the water surface and look forward.

Your legs do a flutter kick and you paddle forward and downwards with your arms.

From above your movements look much like those a dog would use while swimming.

Elementary Backstroke

Elementary backstroke is a basic swim stroke that you can learn quickly once you are able to float on your back.

Elementary backstroke uses an inverted breaststroke kick and simple synchronous movements of the arms for propulsion.

Conclusion

I suggest you spend some time learning the basic swimming techniques listed above.

Once you have those under your belt, you will be well prepared to tackle the most popular swimming strokes.

Remember to always practice in a safe area with supervision by a lifeguard or experienced swimmer. And don’t forget to take your time and enjoy the process!

Related Pages

You may also be interested in the following articles that cover basic swimming techniques:

• Learn Basic Swimming Techniques
• Overcoming Fear of Water and Swimming
• Getting Over My Fear of Swimming
• Front Crawl / Freestyle Swimming Technique: The Flutter Kick
• How To Do Starfish Float – Basic Swimming Technique
• Breaststroke Kick – Swimming Technique and Tips
• Learn Sculling Water, a Basic Swimming Technique
• How to Tread Water – Techniques and Drills
• How to Dog Paddle – Swimming Technique and Exercises
• Elementary Backstroke: Swimming Technique and Tips
• Enjoy Swimming Home