Swimming Technique For Beginners

Swimming is one of the best exercises that one can choose to practice. It is the most popular and effective exercise forms, after muscle building and strength training. Swimming exercises each and every part of your body, right from your head to the tip of your toe nail, which is why the activity is gaining popularity among people with all the age groups. Another reason for the immense popularity of this exercise is that one can master the art with just a little bit of hard work and continuous practice. There are several techniques of swimming that beginners should adhere to, while learning the art. This article will provide an insight to the basic swimming techniques and tips for the beginners, which will make it easier for them to master the art.

Beginners Swimming Tips

First and foremost a beginner should buy a pair of swimming goggles and a swimming cap, in addition to the swimming costume. These are the most important tools required for a safe and easy swim. While choosing the goggles, try and determine which shape closely matches your eye socket. The material of the eye goggles would be a second consideration to make. You can choose from rubber, plastic or foam ones. The swimming goggles will help you have a clear view underwater. On the other hand, a swimming cap will keep your long hair from falling on your face. It will also save and protect your locks from chlorine damage.
A common fear for a beginner is the feeling of discomfort with being immersed. This is the biggest obstacle in swimming, as your natural feeling of being upright and dry is completely opposed. This feeling, however, can be fought back with ease by getting under the water. To get under the water, put your feet on the wall behind you with toes facing downward, while standing by the end of the lane. Now, use your leg to push off starting with a crouched position, later propelling yourself through the water straight down the lane.
Kicking is an essential and helpful component of swimming. Remember, your legs are the propellers and the strongest part of your body involved in moving you through water. Have a good grip on the wall and let the perkiness of the water lift your leg. Start kicking once your legs are up while holding to the wall firmly. Once you get comfortable with kicking, the next step would be to try and dip your face in the water, while kicking.
Arm strokes are also an essential part in proper swimming. You can practice your arm strokes on dry land as well. Stand straight and visualize a keyhole which is round at the top, but the circle doesn’t completely finish because a straight line stops it and leads downward from the middle. This will be your arm movement to follow. Another way of seeing the arm stroke is like a ‘S’ backward for your right arm and normal for your left hand. Take your right arm and hold it straight up in the air. Practice continuously by keeping your arms in the above mentioned pattern, till the movement comes naturally.
Another way a beginner can work on their stroke involves a pull-buoy, or a pair of Styrofoam cylinders that can easily slide between your knees and thighs, with one on either side. These come with cords between them to adjust as per the size of the leg. These cylinders will “buoy” your legs, allowing you to remain horizontal in the water, while using only your arms for moving your body. You will see yourself moving only when you get your movement right, therefore making it easier for you to judge your performance.
You can even practice swimming on a kickboard. While practicing on the kickboard, you can take a stroke underwater with one hand on the board. This will give you a feel of strokes in water, and will teach you how the strokes accompanies the kicking motion. You can even practice this exercise by the side of the pool, holding onto the wall. Best of luck!

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