MamasHealth.com Home Swimming Pages Avoid overtraining Avoid sunburn Lap swimming etiquette Swim gear guide Swimming benefits Swim safety for children Swim strokes Swim tips Water exercises Water safety Water tools Swimstroke demonstrations Email Mama High elbow catch Power stroke Tone your abs	What is a Swimming Stroke? A swimming stroke is a method of moving the arms and legs to push against the water and propel the swimmer forward. Swimming strokes should create the least possible water resistance. When swimming, there should be a minimum of splashing so that forward motion is smooth and not jerky. Types of Swimming Strokes Butterfly The most difficult and exhausting stroke. The body is in a prone position. Involves the dolphin kick with a windmill-like movement of both arms in unison. When swimming competitively, the swimmer must not swim underwater. The only time a swimmer can swim underwater is the first stroke after the start and each turn. High Elbow Catch Breast Stroke The body is in a prone position. Involves frog kicking alternates with a simultaneous movement of the arms from a point in front of the head to shoulder level. When swimming competitively, the swimmer's head must be kept above the surface of the water at all times. Power stroke Crawl Front or Back The body is in a prone position. Involves alternating overarm strokes and the flutter kick. The head remains in the water, the face alternating from side to side. Sidestroke Involves a forward underwater stroke with the body on one side and a scissors kick. Trudgen Named after an English swimmer whose speed made it famous. Involves alternate overarm strokes in a prone position, with a scissors kick and the head remains on one side. Freestyle Swimming where any stroke is used. When swimming competitively, only 15 meters can be spent underwater from the start or from each turn. Backstroke Involves alternate over-the-head arm strokes and a flutter kick in a supine position. When swimming competitively, only 15 meters can be spent underwater from the start or from each turn. Dog Paddle One of the most simple strokes. Involves reaching forward with the arms underwater and using a modified flutter kick.	Advertise on MamasHealth.com
	Hot Topics: The Government is storing your baby's DNA without your consent Can you tell your husband to stop sleeping with my wife? Aunt B's Gratitude Challenge Personal Story: Memories of my battle with eating disorders Mama wants to help: Food Bank programs and shelter assistance Lucy Goes Green: Burnin' with eco-friendly love Mama's favorite item of the week: Cascadian Farm Organic Honey Nut O’s Foods for weight loss
	Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use. Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170 ©2000 - 2009 MamasHealth, Inc.™. All rights reserved