The Pull - How To Swim Front Crawl | Freestyle Swimming Technique

Swimming is a great form of exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Front crawl, also known as freestyle swimming, is one of the most popular and efficient swimming techniques. It is used in competitions and is a great way to improve overall fitness. In this article, we will go over the basics of front crawl and provide tips on how to swim this stroke efficiently.

The Basics of Front Crawl

Front crawl is a stroke that involves alternating arm and leg movements. The arms are used to propel the body forward while the legs provide stability and balance. Here are the basic steps to swimming front crawl:

1. Positioning: Start by positioning your body face down in the water with your arms stretched out in front of you. Your legs should be extended behind you, and your feet should be pointed.

2. Arm Movement: Begin the arm movement by bending your arm at the elbow and pulling it towards your body. Keep your hand and forearm perpendicular to the water surface. As you pull your arm back, rotate your body slightly to the opposite side.

3. Breathing: As your arm reaches your side, turn your head to the side and inhale. Keep your face in the water as much as possible to reduce drag.

4. Leg Movement: While your arm is pulling back, kick your legs to provide additional propulsion. Keep your legs straight and close together as you kick. Your toes should be pointed.

5. Recovery: After your arm reaches your side, straighten it out and recover it back to the starting position. Keep your arm close to your body as you recover it.

6. Breathing: As your arm recovers, turn your head back to the center and exhale. Repeat the arm movement and breathing pattern with the other arm.

Tips for Efficient Front Crawl Swimming

Now that we have gone over the basics of front crawl, let’s look at some tips that can help you swim this stroke efficiently.

1. Streamline Body Positioning: To reduce drag and increase your speed, keep your body as streamlined as possible. Stretch your body out as much as you can, and keep your head in line with your spine.

2. Rotate Your Body: To get more power out of your arm movement, rotate your body slightly to the opposite side as you pull your arm back. This will help you engage more muscles and increase your propulsion.

3. Keep Your Arms Close to Your Body: Keeping your arms close to your body will reduce drag and increase your speed. Avoid making big, sweeping movements with your arms.

4. Breathe Every 2-3 Strokes: Breathing every 2-3 strokes will help you maintain a steady rhythm and prevent fatigue. Experiment with different breathing patterns to find what works best for you.

5. Kick from the Hips: To get the most out of your leg movements, kick from your hips. Keep your legs straight and close together as you kick, and avoid bending your knees.

6. Practice Drills: Practicing drills can help you improve your technique and become more efficient in the water. Some drills you can try include one-arm swimming, kicking with a kickboard, and finger drag.

In conclusion, front crawl is a great swimming technique that can help you improve your overall fitness and speed in the water. By practicing the basics and following these tips, you can swim front crawl efficiently and enjoyably. Remember to focus on your body positioning, arm movement, breathing, leg movement, and practice drills to improve your technique. Happy swimming!