Swimming is one of the best individual sports that can be practised either as a leisure activity or even as a fitness exercise. However, among all the existing swimming styles, the freestyle swimming technique is the most popular one because of its speed and efficiency. While watching the Olympicseither live or on television, you might have even wondered how these swimmers glide across the pool with ease.
So the answer to this is 'Practice'. With the right body position, breathing, rhythm, and arm movements, you can become efficient, stronger, and also a faster swimmer. So, are you ready to unlock all those secrets for mastering the freestyle swimming technique? If yes, then read the blog till the end.
What Are Freestyle Swimming Techniques?
Freestyle swimming is a technique in swimming that involves the use of the legs and arms for competitive swimming. It involves the front crawl, the first stroke people learn when starting to swim. Not only does it involve the movement of your arms and legs, but it also includes understanding the rhythm and managing the speed levels in your body. The technique is all about mastering efficiency in swimming to use less effort to cover more distance. Practising this freestyle swimming technique, you will not just swim faster, but also build stamina and confidence under the water.
The term freestyle was coined because it is different from the other strokes, and you're free to swim whichever stroke you like, switching when you are comfortable. It is performed on your stomach, with your arms moving opposite to each other, and so are your legs. In freestyle swimming, you can swim faster than any other stroke, like backstroke, because your arms can produce more propulsion, and you may also feel less drag underwater.
Tips to Improve Freestyle Swimming Strokes
The following is a list of some swimming tips for beginners to improve their swimming.
Body Position
Body positioning is the foundation for practising freestyle swimming techniques. Your body should be straight from head to toe, with your hips and legs close to the surface. While practicing the freestyle swimming technique, ensure that your head is in line with your spine. Don't look forward too much, but just slightly down. Just think that your body is a straight arrow through which you have to glide through the pool, which helps your body create less drag and helps you move faster with less energy.
Learn the Art of Flutter Kick
The flutter kick is a basic leg movement in the freestyle swimming technique where you move your legs up and down quickly in a steady rhythm. To proceed with the procedure further, keep your legs straight and not stiff. The movement must start from your hips and not just your knees. Your ankles should just stay loose and flexible like fins. Try attempting smaller and faster kicks rather than big slashy ones.
Arm Movement
Most of the work is done by your arms while swimming, where each of your arms enters a full cycle motion, entering and then pulling water down. However, it becomes necessary to learn the right process to avoid any risks or injury to your body. To perform the arm movements properly, stretch your arm forward into the water, fingers first. Bend your elbow slightly and try catching the water with your palm. Push the water back under your body with strong movements. Now bring your arm out of the water and swing it forward again for the next stroke. Note that, along with practice, rest is equally important while swimming to make sure you do not drain out in the water.
Breathing Technique
The next most vital thing to look at is your swimming breathing techniques. Most people feel short of breath, as they lack proper knowledge on how to maintain their breathing rhythm while swimming. So here is how you should do that. So the first tip to manage your breathing while swimming would be to turn your head to the side when swimming and not up when you breathe. Inhale quickly through your mouth when your head is out of the water, exhale slowly through your nose or mouth when your face is in the water.
Time Management
Time management? Yes, it is an essential skill to learn in the freestyle swimming technique so that you utilize your energy in the right way. Because when you kick too fast or slow in the water, you might either waste your time or end up feeling short of breath, which can be learnt when you know how to manage time while swimming underwater. Try working like a windmill, where when one arm is tired, use the other one; when one arm pulls, the other should be at rest, recovering. Have consistent kicks but not so fast. Breath naturally without breaking your body's rhythm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Freestyle Swimming Techniques
Even good swimmers make small mistakes that need to be avoided. Here are a few to have a look at.
Lifting your head too much while breathing is one of the most common mistakes swimmers make, and it should be avoided.
Do not bend your knees too much while kicking, as it might create a drag, causing difficulty while swimming.
Holding your breath for a long time is also not considered good, as you may get tired easily.
Crossing your arms in front of your head instead of reaching straight is a better option, though.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freestyle Swimming Techniques
How Much Time Is Required to Learn Freestyle Swimming?
On average, you might at least need to learn basic freestyle in around 2 to 4 weeks, but mastering these techniques can take months.
Is Freestyle Swimming the Fastest Swimming Stroke?
Yes, freestyle is the fastest type of swimming stroke, which is why it's used in most competitive races.
How to Swim Freestyle Without Getting Tired Quickly?
Focus on breathing properly, keeping a streamlined body, and swimming at a steady pace, and the most important thing is not to hold your breath, as it might make you tired.
Freestyle swimming has several benefits to your health, and may look easy, but to master you need to practise it thoroughly to outsmart your opponent. However, with patience and dedication, freestyle can become your strongest and most enjoyable stroke and elevate your swimming experience.
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