VARIOUS KINDS OF STROKES
THE BACK STROKE
It may seem odd to the beginner (and to a great many proficient
swimmers, for that matter) that in teaching swimming by the Dalton
system, I always begin by having pupils swim first on the back. Most
instructors do just the reverse; but during nineteen years of a
successful career in teaching, the proficiency of the graduated pupil
has justified the method. There are a number of very good reasons why
learners should begin by first swimming on the back. More especially is
this true of nervous or timid pupils.
In the first place, the body floats more naturally and much easier on
the back. In the breast stroke, which is the first one taught by most
instructors, the head has to be kept out of the water and must be
supported as dead weight by the rest of the body, as explained later on.
On the contrary, in the back stroke, or swimming on the back, the head
rests on the water and needs no support from any other member of the
body.
For the same reason the face, being up and away from the water, the
beginner encounters no difficulty in breathing, and there is no danger
of the water entering the mouth, which is often the cause of much
annoyance to new pupils.
Then, again, while on the back, as the face is turned upward, the
beginner, especially in the case of a nervous person, gains confidence
from the very fact that he is not constantly looking into the water. And
also, in contradistinction to all other strokes in swimming, the arms
and legs move together--both arms and legs performing practically the
same movements at the same time.
Thus the pupil, realizing the comparative easiness and the absence of
any difficulty in, having mastered this stroke, is imbued with such
confidence that it becomes simply a matter of time and practise to
acquire all other forms of swimming that he may wish to learn.
* * * * *
[Illustration: FIGURE 1]
The first thing I do with a beginner, after he or she has donned a
bathing suit (a suit in one piece is preferable, as it will not
interfere with breathing) is to get the pupil to lie on the back, at
full length on the marble, with the heels together, the toes out, the
hands at the side of the body. Placing myself back of the pupil's head,
the hands are drawn, with the fingers bent, up along the body till they
touch the shoulders (Fig. 1), the elbows being well turned out. Then the
arms are straightened out horizontally from the shoulder, the palms of
the hand down (Fig. 2). Then the arms, being rigid, are brought down
sharply to the side of the body (Fig. 3). These movements should be
repeated several times until the pupil gets accustomed to them.
[Illustration: FIGURE 2]
Next the leg movements are shown. The heels are drawn up toward the body
as far as possible with the knees well turned out (Fig. 4); the pupil
then kicks the legs apart as far as possible, the toes being pointed out
straight (Fig. 5). Next the pupil brings the legs sharply together until
the heels touch, the toes being turned out (Fig. 6). After these
movements have been repeated several times the pupil can try the arm and
leg movements together. The arms and legs are drawn up together as in
Figs. 1 and 4, then the pupil straightens out the arms and legs, as in
Figs. 2 and 5, finishing the stroke by bringing the arms and legs
sharply together, as in Figs. 3 and 6.
[Illustration: FIGURE 3]
When these movements have been mastered by the pupil, I take him or her
into the water, waist deep, putting one hand under the back, the other
under the chin, forcing the pupil backward until the ears are under the
water, then bringing the pupil's hands to the sides, and slowly starting
the movements. After the arm movements are mastered, I take up the leg
movements, care being taken that the knees do not come out of the water.
[Illustration: FIGURE 4]
To teach pupils how to regain their feet, I show them how to bend
forward from the waist until the face is under water, then the pupil
will find his or her feet slowly sinking; when the toes touch the bottom
the head can be raised out of the water.
To accustom pupils to the water I teach them to open the eyes and mouth
under water. This is much simpler than non-swimmers imagine. Care is
taken not to open the eyes too wide. At the first few attempts the
pupil will feel amazed, on opening the eyes the first time, at the
distance of the vision under water. This is a very good thing to know,
and helps beginners to overcome fear of water.
[Illustration: FIGURE 5]
To teach pupils to open the mouth under water I place a rubber ring six
inches from the surface and have the pupil bring it to the surface with
the teeth. By being careful not to attempt to breathe while under water,
the mouth may be opened to any extent without the least danger of
swallowing water.
It is wonderful the amount of confidence instilled in a novice on
realizing his ability to open the eyes and keep the mouth open under
water.
[Illustration: FIGURE 6]
A preserver tied around the waist obviates the necessity of an
instructor holding the pupil, and he can, therefore, better direct the
movements, so that the pupil, while being held up by a preserver, makes
headway, care being taken to do the movements slowly and together. Then
the pupil is shown how to turn around. The knees should be drawn up, as
in Fig. 4, and then to turn to the left, use the right arm only, the
left arm should be held in a straight line with the shoulder; then
continue to use the three arm movements with the left arm, until one
has turned completely around in the water. To turn the other way, use
the other arm.
[Illustration: FIGURE 7]
Next the pupil is shown how to float. The knees are drawn up and turned
out, the arms extended back beyond the head, as in Fig. 7; the hands,
about six inches apart, are kept under water. Deep breaths should be
drawn through the mouth and forced into the lungs. The pupil will notice
that, at each inflation of the lungs, the body will rise in the water,
and sink correspondingly when the air is expelled. This practise shows
how buoyant the body is. The more limp one lies, the more buoyant the
body becomes.
Since I started the Dalton Swimming School twelve years ago, at 23 West
44th Street, New York City, I have always shown my method of teaching
swimming scientifically, which is exactly the reverse of the methods of
other instructors; that is, teaching pupils how to swim on their backs
first, before teaching them the breast stroke, which I contend is the
hardest stroke of all, when done correctly. Another innovation of mine
is the use of the Dalton nose-clip, a clip that pinches the nostrils
tightly together, keeping the water out of the nose and forcing the
pupil to breathe through the mouth, which is the correct way of
breathing while swimming. The more air one gets into the lungs the
lighter one is in the water, making swimming easier. That is the reason
so many would-be swimmers, simply because they try to breathe through
the nose, get winded very quickly. The main thing about breathing in all
the strokes is to keep the mouth open all the time. With the mouth open,
air can come in and out of its own accord and the pupil does not have to
worry about the breathing.
THE DALTON STROKE
[Illustration: FIGURE 8]
In my next lessons I teach pupils my own stroke--that is, the Dalton
stroke. This is employed when on the back, only instead of going
head-first through the water, as in the back stroke, the pupil goes feet
first. The legs are held out, perfectly straight, then one leg is dropt
down in the water, the upper half of leg from knee to thigh remaining
stationary (Fig. 8). Then, as that leg is drawn back to its original
position, the other leg is brought down in precisely the same manner,
the dropping of both legs alternately in much the same way as when
walking. To do this effectively, pressure must be applied to the
positive stroke; that is to say, while the foot is being drawn down. The
reverse movement, or straightening of the leg, must be made gently. The
knees should be brought to the surface of the water each time; this is
in a slow but restful movement. The arm movements consist of having arms
straight alongside the body, the palms of the hands being turned out,
the thumbs down, making small circles with the hands and wrists, as in
Fig. 8, propelling one's self ahead with small scoops. It is hard at
first to combine the two arm and leg movements, but practise makes
perfect; and after the movements are accomplished in unison the pupil
will find this a very easy and restful stroke.
THE BACK AND DALTON STROKE
In teaching this stroke I revise both the back and the Dalton stroke
with the life-preserver on. After the pupil has covered a distance with
the back stroke, instead of making a turn to retrace, I show the pupil
how to revert to the Dalton stroke, thus avoiding the necessity of
turning around. When changing from the back stroke to the Dalton stroke
the legs should be brought together and the hands put straight to the
sides of the body; then either stroke can be continued. The next move is
to let a little air out of the life-preserver. The pupil then begins
again on the same strokes. After several trips up and down the pool more
air is let out, with more trips up and down the pool, and so on until
there is no air left in the preserver.
So slight will be the difference that the pupil will hardly notice it.
As long as the back is well hollowed, the upper part of the body will
float, but directly the body is doubled up the head and feet begin to
sink, so that the teacher must follow close after the pupil to make the
pupil keep the back well hollowed and the chest expanded. Beginners
will be surprized at the ease with which back strokes propel the body
through the water without any undue effort. To one who has never been
used to swimming without support it gives a wonderful feeling of
exhilaration to propel one's self through the water and then, when
tired, to slowly bring the arms back under water until the thumbs come
together behind the head and the knees are drawn up to the floating
position, while the pupil inhales deep breaths through the mouth,
thereby sustaining the body well up in the water.
THE BREAST STROKE
[Illustration: FIGURE 9]
The breast stroke has been handed down from an early Roman period. It is
the oldest of all strokes, but it is the hardest to learn properly, as
the head has to be supported clear of the water. Any part of the body
when held above water is dead weight, and as the head is all bone,
muscle and brains, it is the heaviest part. This is why, in using the
breast stroke, it is much harder to keep the mouth and nostrils above
water. The breast stroke is so universally identified with swimming that
every beginner wants to learn it. It is only on this account that I
teach the breast stroke.
[Illustration: FIGURE 10]
[Illustration: FIGURE 11]
[Illustration: FIGURE 12]
In order to make this stroke clear to beginners I have divided it into
four movements each, for the arms and legs. It is a good plan to
practise these movements first out of the water. Get the pupil to stand
behind, or by the side of, the instructor, and so follow the arm
movements. Let him start by having the palms of the hands together, just
below the chin, the elbows dropt down and within a few inches of each
other, as in Fig. 9. In the first movement shoot the arms straight
ahead, holding the hands together, as in Fig. 10. In the next movement
turn the hands till the palms are turned slightly out, with the thumbs
touching and pointed downward. In the third movement bring the
straightened out arms around in line with the shoulders, as in Fig. 11.
In the fourth movement bring the hands together till the palms touch,
the elbows being dropt, and the wrists touching the chest, as in Fig. 9.
When the pupil has become accustomed to using the arms, the leg
movements are taught, each leg separately. The heels are brought
together and the toes turned out. Then the left leg is drawn up to the
body, the knee turned out, as in Fig. 9. This leg movement is
simultaneous with the arm movement, as in Fig. 9. Then the leg is kicked
straight out sideways from the body and brought smartly back alongside
the other leg, as in Fig. 12. These two movements of the leg are
performed while making the one movement of the arm, as in Fig. 10. The
arm movements from Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 are accomplished while the legs
are stationary, as in Fig. 11. Then the left knee is drawn up, as in
Fig. 9, while the hands are brought back to the chest, as in the same
figure.
After a little practise with the left leg, the same movements are
practised with the other leg and arms. It is hard to practise the arms
and both legs together out of water, as in order to do so one has to lie
on a piano stool or bench. I discourage this method because the pressure
on the abdomen is injurious. After some practise of these movements out
of water, we then take the pupil into the water. When the beginner
enters the water, it is best for him to be held in a horizontal position
by an overhead trolley attached to a belt strapped around the waist, or
else held up in the water by the instructor, as per illustration. The
four arm movements are tried first, care being taken that the hands do
not come out of the water. At the same time they should be kept as near
the surface as possible without splashing, care being taken that, on the
last movement, the elbows are dropt and the hands kept up in the water.
This movement keeps the head up in the water. Should the hands be dropt,
the head will sink. The pupil should keep his mouth open all the time,
not worrying whether the water enters or not. By this means breathing
becomes natural.
[Illustration: THE BREAST STROKE--TEACHING WITH TROLLEY AND INSTRUCTOR]
The leg movements are then taken up. The best way is for the pupil,
with the left hand, to hold onto the rail that lines the pool and to use
the palm of the right hand lower down in the water, against the side of
the pool, as in Fig. 13, thereby holding the body and legs up in the
water, if the back is arched. The legs should be drawn up, the knees and
toes well turned out, and the legs then kicked straight out and brought
smartly together. This combined movement forces a wedge of water to be
shot behind the legs, forcing the body ahead. The legs are kept
stationary for a moment and then drawn up to the starting position.
[Illustration: FIGURE 14]
[Illustration: FIGURE 13--THE LEG MOVEMENT]
[Illustration: FIGURE 15]
After practising these movements it is a good plan for the pupil to
throw himself gently on the water with his face submerged, and so do the
leg movements alone, the arms being held straight in front a couple of
inches below the surface. As long as the head is under water the legs
will not sink. It is surprizing the confidence one gets in doing these
leg movements with the face under water. It takes away all fear,
especially if the eyes are kept open. When the pupil's breath gives out,
he or she should bend backward by hollowing the back, bringing the arms
around in line with the shoulders, when the feet will slowly sink and
the pupil can easily regain a standing position.
[Illustration: FIGURE 16]
When the arm and leg movements are to be done together, the pupil has to
concentrate his mind on the four movements. To start, one must have the
legs straight behind, keeping them motionless till the pupil gets to
fourth movement of the arm stroke, when the arms and legs should be the
same as in Fig. 14. On the first and the second movements, which form a
continuous movement for the legs, shoot the arms straight out and hold
them there until the straightened out legs come together, as in Fig.
15. Then the legs should be kept rigid, while the hands are turned and
the arms brought around in a straight line with the shoulders, as in
Fig. 16. Finish the stroke by drawing the legs up and the hands in to
the starting position, as in Fig. 14. These combined movements will be
difficult at first, as the movements do not go together, as in the back
stroke.
When the rhythm begins to assert itself, the best way to practise is
with the head under water. Then the pupil can think of his arm and leg
movements without the bother and exertion of holding his head above
water.
CHANGING FROM BACK TO BREAST STROKE
The change from back to breast or _vice versa_ is simple if done slowly.
Let us assume the pupil while swimming is using the breast stroke and
wishes to turn over. When in position as in Fig. 15, the pupil should
roll over on the left side, lifting the right arm out of the water; he
will then be in the second back stroke position, ready to continue.
To turn from the back to the breast the movement is a little quicker, to
prevent the legs sinking too low. From position on the back as in Fig.
5, roll over on the right side, lifting the left arm out of the water so
that the hands meet straight in front. Then quickly snap the legs
straight together and bring the arms around in line with the shoulders
and resume your regular breast stroke.
These turns should be practised by rolling on either side. The pupil may
also bend forward when on the back, as in standing up, and continue with
the breast stroke.
[Illustration: LOUIS C. DALTON]
NEW PART II
ADVANCED STROKES
By
LOUIS C. DALTON
THE SIDE STROKES
The side stroke is used for long distance swimming and is easy to learn
on either side. The pupil should count the movements and be deliberate
while doing the strokes. Splashing and fast strokes always denote an
indifferent swimmer. Easy and graceful swimming can only be acquired by
taking slow strokes and keeping the hands under the surface, thereby
obviating all tendency of pushing the arms through the air instead of
the water. While practising these movements the head must be kept down
so as to be supported by the water.
_Right Side._--Practise these movements on the floor. _Arm
Strokes._--The beginner extends the right arm until it straightens in
front, keeping it in this position, thus making it easier to acquire
balance. Place the left hand at the left side. Movement I.--Draw the
left arm slowly up to the chest, palm out. Movement II.--Extend the left
arm as far forward as possible.
Movement III.--Draw the left arm down to the side of the upper (left)
leg, being careful not to bend the elbow. _Leg Strokes._ Movement
I.--Bend both legs back together from the knees down. Movement
II.--Extend the left leg backward from the hip as far as possible, and
the right leg forward from the hip as far as possible.
[Illustration: FIGURE 17]
Movement III.--Snap the legs, which should then be perfectly straight,
together. Now combine both Movements I. as in Fig. 17, then Movements
II. as in Fig. 18, and Movements III. as in Fig. 19. After the pupil is
more advanced he may use his right arm by extending it out from and
bringing it back to the right side of the body.
_Breathing._--Inhale as the left arm is swept alongside the body. Exhale
when left arm is extended forward.
_Left Side._--The same procedure as for the right side may be followed
lying on the left side. This is important to learn as the pupil should
swim equally well on either side. It will also help him to acquire good
form. _Arm Strokes._ Movement I.--Draw the right arm forward close to
the chest, palm out, elbow at the side. Movement II.--Extend the right
arm forward as far as possible, keeping the hand about six inches below
the surface. Movement III.--Sweep the right arm sharply down to the
right side, then rest. The left arm is not used, but held straight in
front to help balance the body. When the pupil is proficient the left
arm may be extended out and brought back as on the right side.
[Illustration: FIGURE 18]
[Illustration: FIGURE 19]
_Leg Strokes._ Movement I.--Bend both legs back, from the knees down.
Movement II.--Spread the legs as wide apart as possible, the right back
from the hip and the left forward from the hip. Movement III.--Snap the
straightened out legs together. _Combine the Arm Movements with the Leg
Movements._ Movement I.--Draw the right arm close to the chest, palm
out; bend both legs back, from the knees down. Movement II.--Extend the
right arm forward and spread the legs wide apart. Movement III.--Sweep
the right arm down to right side and snap the legs together, then rest
while your body is being propelled through the water. Hold the head so
the mouth is above the surface, and breathe as on the right side.
THE TRUDGEON STROKE
[Illustration: FIGURE 20]
This was one of the racing strokes before the advent of the Crawl, and
was considered by some swimmers the fastest stroke. It is quite tiring
and should only be used for short distances. A great many swimmers
modify this stroke to suit themselves, but there is only one scientific
way. The arms are held perfectly stiff, and lifted well above the water
on every stroke. First practise with the arms alone. Lie on right side
with the right arm extended forward at full length, left arm perfectly
rigid at left side. Draw the right arm sharply down through the water
to the right side, turning the body at the same time, lifting the left
arm out of the water and extending it straight in front.
The legs should be drawn up, heels together, knees spread as the right
arm starts to come forward (Fig. 20). Then spread the legs apart as the
right arm is extended forward. Snap the legs together as the right arm
is swept below the surface to the right thigh. These three leg movements
must be done very quickly. The head rests on the water, the mouth just
above the surface for breathing.
[Illustration: FIGURE 21]
When the left arm is brought forward and later down to the side, the
legs remain motionless (Fig. 21). For racing purposes, the arms may be
bent at the elbows.
THE SINGLE OVER-ARM STROKES
Pupils after mastering the side and trudgeon strokes take to this stroke
very quickly, because in reality it is a combination of both.
_Right Single Over-Arm Stroke. Arm Strokes._ Movement I.--Lie on the
right side, right arm drawn in toward the body, hand pointing forward,
left arm resting at the left side of body, palm out. Movement II.--Lift
the left arm out of the water and extend forward, but at arm's length,
away from the head, the right arm motionless. Movement III.--Sweep the
left arm sharply down to the side and extend the right arm straight
ahead. _Leg Strokes._ Movement I.--Bend both legs back from the knees
down, keeping the knees and ankles together. Movement II.--Place the
right leg back from the hip, and the left leg forward from the hip. Be
sure the legs are perfectly rigid.
Movement III.--Snap both straightened out legs sharply together, then
rest.
_Combine with the Arms._ Lie on right side. Movement I.--Hold the left
arm down to the side, palm out, right arm drawn in toward the body, hand
pointed forward, legs bent back from the knees down.
Movement II.--Lift the left arm out of the water, at the same time
spreading the legs apart, keeping the right arm motionless (Fig. 22).
Movement III.--This movement must be done sharply. Draw the left arm
down to the side, extending the right arm straight ahead, while snapping
the legs straight together as in Fig. 23.
[Illustration: FIGURE 22]
_Left Single Over-Arm Stroke. Arm Strokes._--Lie on left side. Movement
I.--Place the right arm at right side of body, palm out, the left arm
held close to the side. Movement II.--Lift the right arm out of the
water, being careful to hold it as far away as possible to avoid
splashing, the left arm motionless.
Movement III.--Sweep the right arm sharply down to the right side, and
extend the left arm straight ahead. _Leg Strokes._ Movement I.--Bend the
legs back from the knees down, knees and ankles together. Movement
II.--Bring the right leg back from the hip, and extend the left forward
from the hip. Movement III.--Snap the straightened out legs sharply
together.
[Illustration: FIGURE 23]
_Combine the Arms and Legs._ Movement I.--Hold the right arm at full
length to right side, palm out; the left hand should be held well in
toward the body, pointing forward; bend both legs back from the knees
down, knees and ankles together. Movement II.--Lift the right arm out of
the water and spread the legs apart; while doing this movement the left
arm is motionless. Movement III.--Bring the right arm sharply down to
the right side, extending the left arm forward, and snapping the legs
quickly together.
_Breathing._--Inhale through the mouth, at the moment when each arm is
performing the downward stroke on either side, as the mouth will then be
clear of the water. Exhale immediately the arm is extended forward.
Anybody who is ambidexterous will find it easier to learn the left
single over-arm stroke before the right.
THE ENGLISH RACING STROKE
[Illustration: FIGURE 24]
The English Racing Stroke is a great deal more difficult to learn than
any of the advanced strokes that we have reached so far, but once the
student is proficient, it is one of the prettiest strokes. My brother,
Prof. F.E. Dalton, swims this stroke faster than some swimmers do the
crawl, and in action he does it most gracefully (Fig. 24). _The Arm
Movements_ should first be learned. Lie on the right side (but if the
pupil prefers it can be done equally as well on the left). Hold the left
arm at the left side. Then raise it out of the water, bending the elbow;
the hand should enter palm out, and about six inches below the surface,
then extending it as far forward as possible. Next sweep the left arm
down to the side sharply. Extend the right arm straight ahead, drawing
it in toward the body with a semi-circular scoop.
The leg movements are very difficult and a great deal of practise is
necessary before the pupil will be ready to combine with the arms.
The legs are spread apart and snapped together as in the side stroke,
but instead of stopping with this scissors kick make an extra small
circle kick.
_Breathing._--Inhale by turning the head as the left arm is swept down
to the left side; exhale under water when the left arm is extended
forward. Pay great attention to breathing on each stroke, as this is a
great deal more essential than acquiring a little speed, if you wish to
swim any distance. Because of improper breathing people who can not swim
very well complain more about getting winded quickly, than they do of
anything else.
THE DOUBLE OVER-ARM STROKE
The Double Over-Arm Stroke, while difficult to master, will not prove so
for the student who has learned the English racing stroke. Learn the
double over-arm to acquire form. For racing the Crawl will answer.
_Arm Strokes._--Place the left arm at the left side, then lift it out of
the water, bending the elbow and stretching it as far forward as
possible; now draw the hand down through the water so it is swept to the
side. The right arm should be at the right side in position to come
forward perfectly rigid at third movement of left arm. There must be
enough roll of the body to allow the right arm to come out of the water
to insure proper breathing. Sweep the right arm down through the water
as the left arm is raised out of the water.
Hold the face under the water excepting when you inhale after the left
arm has passed the mouth; exhale when under as the right arm comes
forward.
_Leg Strokes._--The legs perform the regular scissors kick at the same
time with left arm action, then cross them over and make a smaller
scissors kick in conjunction with right arm action while the body is
rolling, as in Fig. 25. The arms and legs should be relaxed except when
the arms are making their sweep and the legs are snapping together,
otherwise the pupil will be under a constant strain which is not
conducive to good form in swimming. The pupil may find it very difficult
at the start to time this stroke.
[Illustration: FIGURE 25]
THE CRAWL STROKE
The Crawl and Trudgeon Crawl are by all means the fastest strokes for
propelling the human body through the water up to date. The crawl stroke
as originally introduced was a combination of the trudgeon arm stroke
with a leg drive used by the natives of the South Sea Islands. This
stroke has since been so changed by leading swimmers, it is probably
entirely different from that originally introduced. A great many amateur
and professional coaches advocate the teaching of the crawl to
beginners. I would have the pupil note the difference between a Coach
and Swimming Instructor. The Coach's pupil knows how to swim, but the
Instructor must first teach his pupil. The coaches are so much in favor
of the crawl they advocate everybody being taught it when first
learning. On the other hand, the Instructor knows that it would take
twice as long to teach the crawl to a nervous beginner.
[Illustration: FIGURE 26]
I have had, in consequence, a deluge of requests from novices that they
be taught the crawl, so I wish to spread broadcast the fact that it is
_absolutely_ essential for pupils to acquire confidence by first
learning the simple Back and Dalton strokes. The principal reason for
this is the fact that beginners, 85% of whom are nervous, extremely
so, will naturally not immerse their faces, and as this stroke must be
swum with the face under water it will readily be seen why I differ with
the coaches referred to. The crawl, like all other strokes in swimming,
must be done slowly to attain speed, and the body relaxed.
Bend all your efforts to acquiring form; speed will come later with
constant practise, patience and perseverance. The crawl may be done
correctly with varying details, depending on the physique of the
swimmer, and ability of the coach to apply the proper methods to his
pupil. I have swum the crawl in all its various details, and will
explain the method I have found fastest and easiest for the pupil. The
crawl, except for short distances, is not the stroke used for racing.
The trudgeon crawl is the stroke par excellence for racing purposes.
_Leg Strokes._--Extend the arms at full length in front of the head with
face under water, while practising with the legs. While doing this hold
the breath, but not after you have learned the completed stroke. When
practising these movements you must kick the legs a trifle faster than
will be necessary when combining with the arm movements.
The legs must be relaxed, especially at the hips, kicking them up and
down alternately; in doing this do not open them more than from about
ten to fifteen inches as in Fig. 29. This will depend a great deal on
the physique and buoyancy of the swimmer. The toes should be pointed
behind and the feet turned inward. Be careful that you do not make the
mistake of kicking them too high or opening them too much, also that
they do not come out of the water. In doing this thrash stroke you will
readily know if you are making these mistakes, because the legs will
become tired and cramped very quickly. Some fast swimmers bend their
legs at the knees as illustrated in Fig. 27, others take a sort of
pedalling motion by bending the ankles back and forth.
[Illustration: FIGURE 27]
This is done by bringing the toes up as the leg rises, and pointing them
down as the leg snaps back. At the present time the fastest sprinters
swim without the great bend in the knee; some bend them slightly to help
relax the legs.
The trudgeon crawl kick is a combination of the crawl and the trudgeon,
and the reason it is used for sprinting in preference to the crawl is
because it is less tiring, thus affording greater speed for long
distances. This may be swum in either two, four, six, or eight beats.
The eight-beat is not used very often. The six-beat is used by most of
the fastest swimmers, but the four-beat is the easiest for pupils to
learn and time; it also is very speedy. The legs should be kept close
together at all times and after taking two, four, six or eight beats,
whichever the case may be, the kick should be formed that the first and
fourth kicks amount to narrow scissors kicks, then follow with the
regular thrash kick, which is straight up and down, as illustrated in
Fig. 28. Point the legs and turn the feet in slightly.
Quite a few swimmers believe their legs are of little assistance, but
you will find, if you practise the movements alone the way I suggest,
the legs will play a very prominent part in your stroke.
You will be able to make good speed without using the arms. When these
movements are thoroughly mastered, after trying all the different
variations to discover which suits your particular need, you may then
turn your attention to learning the arm stroke.
[Illustration: FIGURE 28]
_The Arm Strokes._--The arms should be practised with the face under
water, moving the legs only sufficiently to prevent them sinking too
low, and also so you can obtain the correct position in the water. The
arms should be bent at the elbows after they are brought out of the
water. The reach should be straight out from the shoulders, placing the
hands as far forward as possible before entering the water; by so doing
you will conserve your energy. Hold the hands like a scoop; they should
be about six inches below the surface before taking the sweep. While
doing this the elbows must be perfectly stiff, sweeping the arms with
considerable force under the surface as far back as the thighs, the
body being propelled forward by the powerful force. Swing the arms from
the shoulders and just lift them enough so they clear the water. Relax
the arms at all times excepting when they take the sweep through the
water.
[Illustration: FIGURE 29]
Some swimmers draw the arms under the stomach, others use the arms
entirely straight, a few place the arms in close to the head and extend
to full length under water. As in the leg stroke, if the pupil tries the
different methods he will find which stroke is the easiest to
accomplish. Having mastered the arms, combine with the legs before
attempting to breathe, as this in itself is quite difficult.
_Breathing._--The breathing must be done entirely through the mouth. On
the crawl the head and not the body must be turned, and just
sufficiently to allow the mouth coming above the water as the left arm
passes the head, and a deep breath can then be taken. When the left arm
comes forward, turn the face under the water and exhale; repeat on every
stroke.
[Illustration: FIGURE 30]
Do not raise your head when breathing or hold your breath for a
consecutive number of strokes. Constant practise will loosen the muscles
of the neck, when you will find it much easier. In the trudgeon crawl
there is a greater roll to the body, and you breathe when rolling toward
the right side, as in Fig. 30.
Having learned the arm and leg movements with the breathing, it is now
essential that the position of the body be correct (see Fig. 26). Do not
make the mistake of burying your head too deep or the legs, either;
hollow the back so as to present a slight slant to the water. If the
legs and back come too high raise the head a trifle.