Arm Strokes for Swimming | Learn to Swim

Arm Power: Building the Foundation for Swimming Strokes

Arm movements are the driving force behind swimming strokes, providing propulsion and direction. For beginners, mastering basic arm motions is essential for developing effective swimming techniques.

Key Concepts for Swimming Arm Strokes:

• Catch: This is the initial part of the stroke where your hand enters the water and starts to grip it.

• Pull: This is the power phase, where you pull your arm through the water, propelling yourself forward.   

• Push: This is the final phase, where you push the water behind you, completing the stroke.   

• Recovery: This is the phase where you bring your arm forward for the next stroke.
  

Basic Arm Movements:

• Freestyle:

  • Extend your arm forward, enter the water with your fingertips first.   

  • "Catch" the water, and pull your arm back in a smooth, S-shaped motion.

  • "Push" the water behind you, and recover your arm forward, keeping it relaxed.

• Backstroke:

  • Extend one arm straight back, and rotate it in a windmill-like motion.

  • "Catch" the water, and pull your arm through, keeping it relatively straight.

  • Push the water, and recover the arm straight to the back.

• Breaststroke:

  • Start with your arms extended forward.

  • Sweep your arms outwards and slightly downwards in a circular motion.

  • Bring your hands together under your chin, and extend them forward again.

• Butterfly:

  • Both arms move simultaneously.   

  • Sweep your arms outwards and downwards, pulling yourself forward.

  • Recover your arms forward over the water.
    

Tips for Swimming Beginners:

• Practice arm movements slowly and deliberately to focus on technique.

• Use drills to isolate and improve specific parts of the stroke.   

• Focus on maintaining a smooth and consistent rhythm.

• Avoid rushing your arm movements, as this can create drag.   

• Practice out of the water to build muscle memory.
  

By mastering these basic arm movements, beginners can build a strong foundation for more advanced swimming strokes.