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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.

A toddler having fun in the water, supported by a swim noodle
Learning basic swimming techniques can be fun too!

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

Overcoming Fear of Water and Swimming

A man who is afraid to enter a body of water.

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

Focus on the kicking legs of a woman swimming front crawl.

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

A child floating in the water using the starfish float technique.

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

A breaststroke swimmer, seen from above.

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

A smiling man 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

A man doing the 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

A swimmer demonstrates the elementary backstroke, on of the basic swimming techniques.

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:

Nathan Tewolde

Thursday 26th of September 2019

Dear Christophe,

I can't swim and I want to ask you which swimming method is safe for a beginner?

Christophe

Saturday 28th of September 2019

Hi,

The safest would be if you can take swimming classes with a certified swim coach.

If this isn't possible, the swim instruction available on this site should be pretty safe, as long as you start with the basic techniques provided on this page, and then follow up with the sequence of swimming drills provided for each swimming stroke.

If possible, always practice in a pool or body of water under supervision by a lifeguard.

Niall

Wednesday 6th of March 2019

Hi Christophe.

I’m beginning swimming lessons soon for the first time, but have very limited bend in my left knee due to a cyst on my ACL, 30 degrees at most.

What would be the best strokes for me to concentrate on? Or will I be able for any?

Christophe

Wednesday 6th of March 2019

Hi Niall,

In my opinion, the best swimming stroke to use in your case would be front crawl, as it is possible to swim this stroke with a relaxed two-beat flutter kick of low amplitude.

However, being able to swim that way also requires some experience and a good balance.

You can also use a pull buoy to further reduce the load on the legs, although it could also become a crutch where you wouldn't be able to swim well without it.

Backstroke could also be an option, as you use the same flutter kick, however backstroke uses a six-beat kick, so you most likely will find that you have to use your legs more than with front crawl.

On the other hand, learning backstroke may be easier as you don't need to roll your body to breathe.

The best approach would be to also ask your local swim instructor about his/her opinion, as well as your medical doctor.

Good luck!

Gustavo

Saturday 28th of January 2017

Thank you so much for this helpful information!

Please, I would like to know what kind of equipment would be useful to have when you are a beginner.

Christophe

Sunday 29th of January 2017

Hi Gustavo,

The most important equipment is a good pair of swim goggles.

Short blade swimming fins can also help, and depending on your circumstances a swim snorkel and small swim paddles.

You can also have a look at our article covering swimming equipment for beginners.

saifuddin

Wednesday 2nd of November 2016

Dear Christophe,

I myself don't know how to swim and my 9-year-old son wants to learn swimming, can we do it by ourselves?

Can you please guide us how to begin?

Christophe

Wednesday 2nd of November 2016

Hi,

I think it is best that you find someone who can already swim to teach your son.

Otherwise, if you try do it by yourself, but cannot swim, how can you help your son if he panics or gets distressed?

Another option would be that you learn to swim first and then once you can swim with confidence, you can start teaching your child.

Good luck and stay safe.

Ella

Monday 21st of December 2015

I'm level 6, and obviously, I can swim fine.

I was at level 6 in 4th grade but then I went to a new school, and they put me in level 6 again.

Although I can swim fine, I am uncoordinated.

I love the ocean too but how do I swim properly without looking uncoordinated?

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