What are the different types of strokes used in competitive …

In competitive swimming, there are four main types of strokes, each with distinct techniques and rules. These strokes form the basis for individual and relay events in swimming competitions.

• Freestyle (Front Crawl)
  • Technique: Swimmers alternate their arms in a windmill motion while kicking their legs up and down.
  • Breathing: Swimmers usually turn their head to the side to breathe, typically every two to four strokes.
  • Event Distances: Ranges from 50 meters to 1500 meters in individual events and includes relay events like the 4×100 meters.
• Backstroke
  • Technique: Swimmers lie on their back and alternate their arms in a circular motion, similar to the freestyle but on their back. The legs perform a flutter kick.
  • Breathing: Breathing is easier since the swimmer’s face is above the water.
  • Event Distances: Common distances include 50, 100, and 200 meters.
• Breaststroke
  • Technique: Both arms move simultaneously in a half-circle motion while the legs perform a frog kick.
  • Breathing: Swimmers lift their head above the water to breathe with each stroke.
  • Event Distances: Common distances are 50, 100, and 200 meters.
• Butterfly
  • Technique: Both arms move in a simultaneous overhead circular motion while the legs perform a dolphin kick, where both legs move together.
  • Breathing: Swimmers typically breathe every one or two strokes by lifting their head and chest out of the water.
  • Event Distances: Common distances include 50, 100, and 200 meters.
• Individual Medley (IM)
  • Technique: Swimmers use all four strokes in a specific order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.
  • Event Distances: Common IM distances are 100 meters (in short-course pools), 200 meters, and 400 meters.
• Relay Events
  • Freestyle Relay: Teams of four swimmers, each swimming an equal distance in freestyle.
  • Medley Relay: Teams of four, each swimming one of the four strokes in the order of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle.

These strokes each have unique rules and techniques that swimmers must follow to avoid disqualification and to maximize their efficiency and speed in the water.