How Many Swimming Strokes Are There?(4 Basic,6 Main,10 Types)
How many swimming strokes are there can depend on whether you’re talking about competitive events or all swimming styles worldwide.
There have always been four main strokes:
- freestyle
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
These four swimming strokes are defined by the International Swimming Federation (FINA). If you’re wondering how many swimming strokes there are, the answer depends on how you look at it.
In competitive swimming, there are four main strokes officially recognized by the International Swimming Federation (FINA): freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
However, suppose you also consider the fun and survival strokes people use outside of competitions. In that case, there are approximately 6 main types of swimming, with up to 10 different types of swimming strokes practiced worldwide.
What are The 4 Basic Strokes in Swimming?
The 4 basic strokes in swimming that are used in Olympic swimming competitions are the foundation of all techniques.
| Name of the Stroke | Description | Best For | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestyle (Front Crawl) | The fastest and most common stroke. Uses alternating arm pulls and flutter kicks. | Speed, cardio, and endurance | Easy to moderate |
| Backstroke | Swam on the back, using alternating arm pulls and flutter kicks. | Strengthening the back and improving posture. | Moderate |
| Breaststroke | Slower but highly efficient. Uses symmetrical arm movements and a frog-like kick. | Coordination and full-body toning. | Easy |
| Butterfly | A powerful, wave-like motion with both arms moving together and a dolphin kick. | Building strength and burning calories. | Hard |
How Many Swimming Strokes Are There in the Olympics?
In the Olympics, swimmers compete in four strokes:
- Freestyle
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
Each has its own individual races, and there are also medley events where all four strokes are swum in a specific order:
So when people ask, “how many swimming strokes are there in the Olympics?”, the official answer is four.
6 Main Types of Swimming
Besides the 4 basic strokes in swimming that are introduced in the above, these 2 other strokes make it 6 main types of swimming, which are described below:
- Sidestroke is used by lifeguards, which is a good exercise for becoming stronger in freestyle breathing.
- Elementary Backstroke is great for beginners, a great cool-down stroke
What Are The 10 Different Types of Swimming Strokes?
Besides the 4 basic strokes in swimming and 2 other types, which made it 6 main types of swimming, there are also 4 other swimming strokes, which are described below:
- Freestyle (Front Crawl)
- Backstroke
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
- Sidestroke
- Elementary Backstroke
- Trudgen Stroke is like a mix between freestyle and flutter kick and is faster for open water swimming.
- Dog Paddle is learned as a first stroke by kids.
- Combat Side Stroke (used by Navy SEALs) saves energy
- Inverted Breaststroke is relaxing
Which Stroke Builds the Most Muscle?
If your goal is to tone up or build strength, the butterfly stroke is the most effective, followed closely by freestyle. Both require high energy and engage almost all your major muscle groups.
You can read more about this topic here: Which swimming stroke builds the most muscle?
Why Learn All the Swimming Strokes?
Learning all strokes helps you:
- With learning each stroke, your body and muscles become stronger
- Your lung capacity will improve
- Knowing all the strokes helps you add different drills to your swimming workouts every session
- You can use each stroke in different situations
FAQs:
What is the healthiest swim stroke?
Freestyle (front crawl) or breaststroke, both are good for the lungs, and they produce less injury to your joints
What's the most popular swimming stroke?
Freestyle. For warm-up, cool down, and also main drills, you can always go with this stroke.
What's the slowest swim stroke?
Breaststroke
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