Are you looking to take your swimming skills to a new height? We get it. You are reading this blog. So, clearly, you want to level up. If you’re interested in learning and mastering the freestyle stroke in swimming, this blog is for you.

Swimming Stroke – Freestyle Stroke for Beginners

We’ll explore the ins and outs of the freestyle stroke and why it’s widely considered the best swimming stroke.

Not only that, but we also provide 7 easy tips to help you improve your technique, from body positioning to arm and leg movements.

No matter your level of experience. Get ready to swim like a pro!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TYR Sport (@tyrsport)

What is Freestyle Stroke in Swimming?

Freestyle, also known as front or forward crawl, is a swimming stroke where the swimmer alternates their arms in a windmill motion while kicking their legs in a flutter kick.

The swimmer moves seamlessly through the water, maintaining a streamlined body position and minimizing drag to propel themselves forward.

Now that we’ve learned about what is a freestyle stroke, let’s dive into its history.

Freestyle Stroke: The History

The term “freestyle” implies freedom and creativity, making it a fitting name for a stroke that allows swimmers to showcase their unique style and technique.

Over time, the term became more associated with the front crawl stroke due to its popularity and effectiveness in competitive swimming.

The front crawl stroke allows for the greatest range of motion and flexibility compared to other strokes.

We get it. You are asking if is it a fast or a slow swimming technique. Let’s find out.

Is it Fast or Slow?

In competitive swimming, the freestyle stroke holds the title of being the fastest stroke. The swimmer’s speed depends on their technique, strength, and endurance, rather than the stroke being slow or fast. Breaststroke and backstroke are slower than freestyle and are typically used for endurance or recreational swimming.

That’s a lot of information, isn’t it? If you’re a beginner, you might be curious about how difficult it is to learn freestyle swimming. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

How Easy is it to Learn Freestyle Swimming?

Although freestyle may be tricky for beginners, it’s comparatively simpler to master than strokes such as butterfly or breaststroke. With practice and guidance, the correct technique can improve strength and endurance, making freestyle feel more natural.

So, now you know, it’s the fastest swimming stroke and it’s easy too. But, do you think it’s the best technique in swimming?

5 Reasons Why Freestyle Is the Best Swim Stroke

Speed: Fastest swimming stroke, making it ideal for sprinting and long-distance swimming.
Efficiency: Efficient swimming with streamlined strokes for maximum propulsion and minimal drag.
Versatility: Swimmers increase speed via diverse techniques – alternating limbs and breathing patterns.
Cardiovascular fitness: Great cardio workout: Engages heart and lungs, burns calories, boosts overall fitness.
Comfort: Swimmers’ inclination towards freestyle stroke lets them swim long distances effortlessly, without any discomfort or fatigue.

4 Essential Freestyle Stroke Swimming Techniques

Perfecting the freestyle stroke will not only improve your efficiency and confidence as a swimmer but also make swimming like a pro feels more natural.

So, why not dive in headfirst and explore some of these techniques?

Body position

While swimming freestyle, you can reduce drag by keeping your body horizontal, keeping your head down, and keeping your hips and legs close to the surface of the water.

Arm movement

Move your arm back in a circular motion with a high elbow and angled hand, ensuring that the movement is smooth and continuous.

Leg movement

Maintain a fast and rhythmic flutter kick just below the water’s surface, while keeping the legs together and pointed.

Breathing

To maintain a steady and efficient swimming rhythm, coordinate the timing of your breathing with your arm and leg movements.

During the arm stroke, turn your head to the side and breathe in through your mouth.

Afterward, return your head to the water and exhale through your nose and mouth.

Now that you’ve got the body movements down, we’ve got some helpful tips to make your freestyle technique even better.

7 Simple Tips to Perfect Your Freestyle Stroke!

Keep your body streamlined by keeping your head down and your legs together.
Focus on pulling the water back with your hand and extending it forward in a straight line during your arm stroke.
Rotate your body slightly from side to side using your hips and core muscles.
Breathe regularly by turning your head to the side and exhaling through your nose and mouth.
Gradually build your endurance by swimming longer distances and taking short breaks as needed.
Experiment with different breathing patterns, such as breathing every two or four strokes, to find what works best for you.
Practice your kicks by using a kickboard or focusing on the timing and rhythm of your leg movements.

Grab your Goggles

Well, there you have it! The freestyle stroke is explained in all its glory. You now have the knowledge to master this art.

Don’t forget to follow our 7 tips to help you perfect your freestyle stroke technique. So, what are you waiting for?

Grab your goggles and hit the water. Look out for the nearest swimming pool in your area and get started with swimming