How To Swim Front Crawl

Step 1: Body Position

The overall body position for this swimming stroke is streamlined and as flat as possible at the water surface, and the head in-line with the body. The waterline is around the natural hairline with eyes looking forward and down.

Step 2: Leg Kick

The leg kick for this swimming stroke should originate from the hip and both legs should kick with equal force. Legs kick in an up and down alternating action, with the propulsive phase coming from the down kick. There should be a slight bend in the knee due to the water pressure, in order to produce the propulsion required on the down kick.

Step 3: Arm Action

The continuous alternating arm action provides the majority of the power and propulsion of the entire swimming stroke. Hand sweeps through the water downward, inwards and then upwards. Elbow bends to exit the water first. Hand and fingers fully exit the water and follow a straight line along the body line over the water surface.

Step 4: Breathing

The head begins to turn at the end of the upward arm sweep and turns enough for the mouth to clear the water and inhale. The head turns back into the water just as the arm recovers over and hand returns to the water.

Step 5: Timing

The timing and coordination for this swimming stroke usually occurs naturally.

Arms should provide a continuous power and propulsive alternating action whilst leg kicks also remain continuous and alternating. Six beat cycle – each legs kicks three down kicks per arm cycle. The cycle is normally taught to beginners and used for sprint swims.

Step 6: More detailed information

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For a detailed front crawl book to download, including exercises for perfecting your technique go to:
http://www.swim-teach.com/freestyle-swimming-technique.html