SWIMMING
GROUP 4
HISTORY
Swimming has a rich and storied history, dating
back to ancient civilizations where it was used both
for recreation and as a means of survival.
Early records indicate that swimming was practiced
in ancient Egypt, China, and Greece, with evidence
of organized swimming competitions emerging in
the 19th century. Over time, the development of
swimming techniques and equipment has evolved,
leading to the refinement of the major strokes we
recognize today.
EGYPT
Ancient Egyptians were among the first
civilizations to develop swimming as a
form of recreation and survival.
Hieroglyphic records indicate that they
practiced a primitive version of the front
crawl stroke, using a flutter kick and
alternating arm movements to propel
themselves through the Nile River. Over
time, the Egyptians refined their
swimming techniques, with evidence of
organized swimming competitions
taking place as early as 2500 BC.
CHINA
In ancient China, swimming was
integrated into military training, with
soldiers learning to navigate rivers and
lakes using various strokes. The earliest
known Chinese swimming manual, "Dao
Yin Tu," dates back to the 5th century
BC and describes techniques for the
backstroke and breaststroke.
GREECE
In ancient Greece, swimming was not
only a popular pastime but also a crucial
skill for naval warfare. Greek soldiers
and sailors were required to be
proficient swimmers, utilizing strokes
like the sidestroke and the overarm
stroke to maneuver in the
Mediterranean Sea. The Greeks also
organized swimming competitions as
part of their athletic festivals, laying the
foundations for the modern sport of
competitive swimming.
4 TYPES OF STROKES
FREESTYLE
The freestyle, also known as the crawl, is
the most efficient and fastest of the
swimming strokes. It involves a flutter
kick, with the legs moving in a rapid, up-
and-down motion, and alternating arm
movements, where one arm pulls
through the water while the other
recovers overhead. The freestyle stroke
is characterized by a streamlined body
position and a focus on maintaining a
steady, rhythmic breathing pattern.
BACKSTROKE
The backstroke is performed on the
swimmer's back, with a sculling motion
of the arms and a flutter kick. The arms
move in an alternating, overhead
pattern, while the legs provide
propulsion through the water. Proper
body alignment and a high elbow
position are crucial for efficient
backstroke mechanics.
BREASTSTROKE
The breaststroke is recognized by its
unique whip-like kick, where the legs
move outward and then back together in
a circular motion. The arms also move
symmetrically, with a circular, recovery
movement.
Maintaining a streamlined body position
and coordinating the timing of the kick
and arm movements are essential for an
effective breaststroke.
BUTTERFLY
The butterfly stroke is characterized by a
distinctive undulating body motion and
simultaneous overhead arm movements.
The legs move in a dolphin-like kick,
providing the primary propulsion.
Mastering the timing and coordination
of the arm and leg movements is crucial
for executing a proficient butterfly
stroke.
RELEVANCE OF
SWIMMING
BODY
Swimming is an incredibly versatile and beneficial form of
exercise, offering a wide range of physical and mental
health advantages. As a low-impact, full-body workout,
swimming promotes overall fitness by improving
cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and
flexibility.
The buoyancy of water allows individuals of all ages and
fitness levels to engage in swimming, making it an
accessible and inclusive activity. Unlike high-impact
exercises, swimming places minimal stress on the joints,
making it an ideal choice for individuals recovering from
MIND
Swimming has been recognized for its positive effects on
mental well-being. The rhythmic, meditative nature of
swimming can help reduce stress and improve
mindfulness. The weightlessness and sensory experience of
being immersed in water can have a calming and
restorative effect, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-
being.
SURVIVAL
Swimming also plays a crucial role in water safety and
survival skills. Proficiency in swimming can be a lifesaving
skill, particularly in situations where individuals find
themselves in bodies of water. Teaching swimming,
especially to children, can help build confidence, promote
water safety, and potentially save lives.
SWIMMING STROKE
PERFORMANCE
SURVIVAL
For the freestyle stroke, maintaining a streamlined body
position is crucial. This involves keeping the head down,
the back flat, and the legs extended with a flutter kick.
Proper arm mechanics, including a high elbow recovery
and a smooth, powerful pull, are also necessary for an
efficient freestyle stroke
TIPS
Achieving proficiency in the various swimming strokes
requires a deep understanding of proper body positioning,
alignment, and technique.
Efficient stroke mechanics are essential for maximizing
speed, endurance, and energy efficiency in the water.
BACKSTROKE
In the backstroke, body alignment is equally important.
Swimmers should maintain a straight, elongated body
position, with the head in line with the spine and the legs
extended. The arms should move in a high-elbow, sculling
motion to provide propulsion, while the flutter kick
generates additional thrust.
BREASTSTROKE
For the breaststroke, the characteristic whip- like kick
requires precise timing and coordination. Swimmers must
focus on keeping their legs together, knees wide, and feet
turned outward during the kicking motion. The arm
movements should be symmetrical, with a circular recovery
and a powerful, propulsive pull.
BUTTERFLY
The butterfly stroke presents the greatest technical
challenge, as it requires the synchronization of the arm and
leg movements. Swimmers must execute an undulating
body motion, accompanied by a dolphin-like kick
and simultaneous overhead arm movements. Maintaining a
high body position and streamlined entry are critical for
efficient butterfly stroke mechanics.
THANK YOU
Anillo, Anne Camille C.
Badiola, Norwell O.
Cantuba, Crystel Jane N.
Endozo, Joy I.
Lara, John Leonard P.
Mazo, Mark Andrae S.
Mombay, Johnny V.
Peñalosa, Sebastian M.
Romero, Jemar C.