Feel safe in the water

If you are a beginner, it is important learn some basic swimming techniques so you feel safe in the water. Feel safe in the water

If you master these basic techniques, you'll feel more comfortable and relaxed when it comes time to tackle them popular swimming styles.

This article gives you an overview of these basic techniques.

Overcoming the fear of water and swimming

THE fear of water, may have a different cause for each of us. 

Next, we'll talk about practical exercises to help reduce your anxiety and make you more comfortable around large bodies of water.

Learning the Flutter Kick-straight quick aprons

 The sharp kick is a simple but effective swimming technique where your legs perform a kind of whipping motion.

As a beginner you should learn this technique face down and supine. So you will be able to use the sharp kick to keep your head on the surface of the water by swinging your limbs and to swim with the simplest technique, called dog paddle. 

Later, you will use this technique while swimming backstroke and breaststroke. 

Floating like a starfish 

Starfish floating is a basic swimming technique where you float on your back with your arms and legs outstretched. The best place to master this technique is in the shallow part of the pool. At first you can hold on to the wall and, as you learn to float, move away, of course under the supervision of your coach. 

Feel safe in the water

Learning the butt kick

 As a beginner, it is also important to know how to kick in the front (small apron with "knees together"), although it is a little more difficult than the flutter kick. 

Beginners can use the front kick to propel themselves through the water and practice the basic backstroke.

Sculling water

 Water sculling is another basic swimming technique.

Basically, you float in an upright position with your head above water and your arms out to your sides at shoulder level. 

You use quick movements of your hands on the surface of the water to float. 

This technique is best used in conjunction with underwater footwork. 

Walking on water

 Water walking allows you to stay in the same spot by keeping your head above water and your body upright.

It is a very useful technique when you need to orient yourself in the water or notice something going on around you on land.

If you know the techniques of flutter kick and sculling water it is easy, by combining them, to learn walking on water. 

Dog Paddle- (see a dog in the water…)

 Dog Paddle is also a basic swimming technique. You float in the water in a more or less horizontal position, keep your head above the surface of the water and look forward.

Your legs do a sharp kick and you row forward and down with your arms. 

On the surface your movements are very similar to those a dog would use if it were swimming.

Basic backstroke 

Basic backstroke is a basic swimming style that you can learn quickly once you are able to float on your back. It is performed with an inverted front with small aprons and simple simultaneous movements of the hands to advance.

Conclusion

I suggest you spend some time learning the basic swimming techniques listed above.

Remember to always practice in a safe area under the supervision of a lifeguard or licensed swim coach. And don't forget to take your time and enjoy the process!

Saltamanikas Nikolas

TEFAA graduate, swimming specialty

Class A swimming coach