Despite being one of the most learned, freestyle also has its level of complexity. Learn more about it here.
The crawl style, also known as freestyle, is one of the most recognized and oldest in the entire history of swimming. This is usually the appetizer of people who want to start immersing themselves in the wonderful world of this sport.
A refresher on freestyle
It is one of the oldest in the history of swimming, being its first own record of 1844. In that year, some Native Americans used the style in a competition held in London and, thus, they managed to beat the English swimmers.
At that time, the most used technique for competitions was known as breaststroke or breaststroke, recognized for being the oldest of all in swimming and lifeguard recertification. However, the passage of time gave greater relevance to freestyle.
He had various transitions and reforms in his movements, being John Arthur Trudgen (1870) the one who made this style as it is known today and which stands out for being the first style to be learned in all the world’s academies.
One of the most significant characteristics is the position that the body adapts for its practice –prone or in a central position-, which is why in English it is known as “crawl” or crawl, due to its meaning in Spanish.
Benefits of freestyle
In addition to learning how to perform a scrolling style within a water surface, freestyle offers different benefits if performed regularly. From psychological to physiological contributions can be evidenced.
It would improve self-esteem
As a regular physical activity, freestyle would enhance the self-perception with which we see ourselves. Therefore and gradually, the shyness would dissipate; in addition to feeling more vitality, energy, and health.
Feeling good about the way you look and feel physically is important for a healthier life on a psychological level.
It would enhance physical capacities
Talking about freestyle in knowing swimming and neglecting physical abilities is illogical. This widely enhances qualities such as strength, endurance , coordination, and balance.
I would fight stress
knowing swimming is usually synonymous with relaxation and tranquility; therefore, practicing freestyle – as recreation – would help combat stress.
Freestyle technique
The swimming technique freestyle has a series that characterize it and are the result of the convergence between the extremities and the torso.
Limb action
Both arms and legs play a fundamental role in the freestyle technique, which is why the coordination between both groups of limbs is so important when knowing swimming.
- Entry.
- Grip.
- Pull.
- Push.
Recovery.
In addition, the movement begins from the hips, ensuring that they do not leave the water at any time.
Also read about: Improve Your Lung Capacity With Yoga Breathing Exercises
Body position and breathing
The position of the body, previously mentioned, is in ventral support or prone position due to the ease it has to propel itself in the water. In this way, the water surface represents less resistance with respect to the mass of the body; on the other hand, it allows the swimmer a wider field of view.
With regard to freestyle breathing, the tilting gesture made by the torso makes it easier to turn the head to take in air – mainly through the mouth.
Freestyle, the starting point
When you immerse yourself in the world of knowing swimming, chances are there is no going back.
