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How do I Choose the Best Swimming Style?

Luke Arthur
Luke Arthur

Deciding on a swimming style to use can be difficult because there are so many different styles to choose from. Choosing the proper swimming style can provide you with a number of unique benefits. In order to choose the best swimming style, you should become aware of all of the options, research the benefits of each one, determine your goals, and then try some of them out.

The first thing you should do is to learn about all of the different swimming styles. You could practice freestyle, the breaststroke, the backstroke, the butterfly, or several other strokes. Spend some time looking at the different strokes and learning about how they are done.

Strokes that can be completed in a small area are best for swimming in shorter pools.
Strokes that can be completed in a small area are best for swimming in shorter pools.

At this point, you should spend some time learning about the different benefits presented by each stroke. Some strokes are designed to provide the swimmer with the most speed. Other strokes are designed to promote stamina and long-distance swimming. Do as much research as you can about the benefits of each type of swimming stroke and determine which one appears to be the most beneficial.

Freestyle strokes are one of the most common swimming strokes.
Freestyle strokes are one of the most common swimming strokes.

Once you know all about the different swimming strokes, you should take a look at your own goals and desires. Try to determine why you want to swim. If you want to get involved in competitive swimming, one stroke might suit you better than another. If you want to lose weight, there are strokes that are better than others.

You might even want to develop muscles in certain parts of the body. Regardless of the reasoning behind your choice, you need to determine what you want to accomplish and then match your goals with the perfect stroke for you. In order to choose the right swimming style, you need to take into consideration your unique situation first.

One of the more common swimming styles is the backstroke.
One of the more common swimming styles is the backstroke.

After you have chosen the swimming style that you feel is most appropriate, you should spend some time trying it out. Get in the pool and try to implement the stroke to the best of your ability. There are many subtle nuances you could improve on with any stroke when you first start out. Focus on perfecting your technique with the stroke instead of trying to go fast. You should allow enough time with the stroke to determine if you will be able to accomplish your goal before switching to another swimming style.

Discussion Comments

Kangaroar

My recommendation on how to choose a swimming style? Find a swim instructor or coach and talk to them about your goals and personal strengths and weaknesses. Nearly every pool, public or private gym, in America will have some sort of associated swimming program.

A good coach will be able to determine your abilities very quickly after watching you swim, and will be able to suggest strokes and training techniques tailored for you. Nearly every stroke can be altered to accommodate physical disabilities, and swimming itself is very low impact sport.

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    • Strokes that can be completed in a small area are best for swimming in shorter pools.
      By: Maridav
      Strokes that can be completed in a small area are best for swimming in shorter pools.
    • Freestyle strokes are one of the most common swimming strokes.
      By: yanlev
      Freestyle strokes are one of the most common swimming strokes.
    • One of the more common swimming styles is the backstroke.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      One of the more common swimming styles is the backstroke.
    • The butterfly is one of the most physically challenging swimming strokes.
      By: endostock
      The butterfly is one of the most physically challenging swimming strokes.