The Basic Swimming Strokes & Facilities for Swimming – JSS3 Physical Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

Topic – The basic swimming strokes.                                                 

 There are four basic swimming strokes, which are:

1. Front crawl or freestyle
2. Breast Stroke
3. Backstroke
4. Butterfly stroke

1. Front crawl or freestyle; This is when a swimmer uses any stroke he chooses and rules relating to breaststroke, butterfly, and back strokes do not apply. In turning and finishing, the swimmer must touch the end of the pool. He may do so with any part of his body. The crawling style is the fastest and most efficient swimming stroke.

Breast Stroke: Swimming on breaststroke, both hands must move forward and backward together, with shoulders parallel to the water surface and at right angles. Legs must be drawn with a distinct bend i.e. ( Flexion) at the knees, followed by an outward and backward kicking motion.

 Backstroke: A stroke on the back in which the arms stroke alternately with recovery out of the water, and the legs use flutter kicks. A swimmer will be disqualified for changing from his back before his or her hands touch the finishing line.

 Butterfly stroke: The stroke requires some stamina and strength than the other strokes. In butterfly stroke, the swimmer lifts both arms simultaneously above and over the head while kicking both feet in an upward and downward motion. The butterfly stroke is also called the Dolphin stroke.

It is the second-fastest stroke in the swimming world.

The Equipment and Facilities For Swimming

The equipment and Facilities for Swimming include:

1. Swimming trunks
2. Swimming goggles
3. Starting blocks
4. Swimming float
5. Swimming flippers
6. Earplug for swimmers
7. Whistles
8. Swimming cap
9. Swimming pool
10. Towers
11. Slippers
12. Kickboard

 The Various Competitions/ Events in Swimming

There are various Swimming competitions. These include:

1. 100m freestyle
2. 200m freestyle
3. 400m freestyle
4. 100m breaststroke
5. 200m breaststroke
6. 100m butterfly stroke
7. 200m butterfly stroke
8. 100m backstroke
9. 200m backstroke
10. 100m individual medley
11. 4* 100m freestyle women
12. 4* 200m freestyle  men
13. 4*400m medley

 Assignment

1. Outline four  safety rules or precautions in and around a Swimming pool
2. Describe the dimensions of a Swimming pool