Elementary Backstroke

What is elementary backstroke?

Elementary backstroke is a basic swimming technique that is easy to learn and therefore
useful for improving your water confidence as a beginner. As its name indicates, it is swum on
the back and uses a simple arm stroke in conjunction with the breaststroke kick for propulsion.

Mechanics of elementary backstroke:

The elementary backstroke requires the swimmer to float on his back on the water. The
swimmer draws the hands up the sides of the body while bending the elbows. Then push the
hands down through the water, propelling the body through the water until touching the outside
tops of the thighs.
 Backstroke
What is a backstroke?
Backstroke is a swimming stroke performed on the back with the arms lifted alternately out of
the water in a backward circular motion and the legs extended and kicking.

How to perform a backstroke?

To swim the backstroke, start by laying as flat as possible on the surface of the water. Next,
straighten out your legs and kick them up and down to propel yourself forward. As you kick,
reach one arm up towards the sky and bring it down to the side of your head and into the water.
 Side stroke
What is a side stroke?
The sidestroke is a swimming stroke, so named because the swimmer lies on
one's side with asymmetric arm and leg motion and it is helpful as a lifesaving technique and is
often used for long-distance swimming.

How to perform a sidestroke?

The hands act like oars, and do not waste any power by oblique action. In ordinary swimming on the
right side, the left arm moves gently in the water, almost at rest. Then, when the used arm becomes
tired, the swimmer turns on the other side, and the left arm works while the right arm rests.
The legs move in opposite directions with legs bent, and straighten as they come together. The
kicking motion is exaggerated and slow, opening the legs wide to provide more thrust rather than the
small, fast movement of flutter kick.