Front Crawl / Freestyle

The freestyle stroke, as it's name implies, is not limited by any particular technique. The stroke we now call freestyle, which is also known as the front crawl or Australian crawl, has been used since early last century. Only 15 meters can be swum underwater (from the start and from each turn), otherwise some body part must always be above the water. Some believe that the freestyle stroke was developed by Richard Cavill, an Australian who combined the overarm stroke with the up and down kick motion.



The freestyle is known as the fastest swim stroke.

Steps:
1.
Visualize a line running down the center of your body from your chin to your chest. This line is the axis upon which your whole body should pivot, and it should extend horizontally in the direction you are swimming.
2.
Keep your legs straight, but not rigid, with your toes pointed out, and kick up and down. Continue kicking the entire time.
3.
Move your arms in a windmill motion opposite each other. While one arm is extended completely out, the other should be all the way back, almost against the side of your body.
4.
Cup your hands and pull the extended arm through the water beneath your body. Bend your arm at the elbow and draw your fingertips along the imaginary line down the center of your body.
5.
Lift your other arm out of the water and move it all the way forward as the first arm is pulling beneath you. Bend at the elbow and drag your fingertips along the surface of the water. Penetrate the water with your fingertips and completely extend the arm.
6.
Breathe on one side by turning your head to that side as the arm comes out of the water