The Four Strokes of Competitive Swimming

The four strokes of competitive swimming—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—are different techniques used to propel yourself through the water efficiently. Freestyle is an alternating arm stroke with a flutter kick, known for speed. Backstroke is similar but on your back, using alternating arm pulls and a flutter kick. Breaststroke involves simultaneous arm movement and a frog-like kick, emphasizing glide. Butterfly features simultaneous arm pulls and a dolphin-like dolphin kick, requiring strength and rhythm. Each stroke has unique mechanics tailored for speed, efficiency, and specific race distances, showcasing a swimmer’s versatility and technique.