In addition to the basic level, the advanced level of swimming techniques includes more complex movements aimed at moving efficiently through the water. The main differences between the basic and advanced levels of swimming in front crawl, breaststroke, and backstroke (butterfly is not usually included in programmes for non-swimmers or novice swimmers) are listed in the table below.

We should emphasize that:

• the acquisition of swimming techniques is usually fluent, with no clear distinction between basic and advanced levels. Swimming skills change gradually due to a series of complex interactions between the learner, the task being learned, and the environmental context (Langendorfer, 2010).
• using these basic and advanced levels to learn swimming techniques is neither mandatory nor appropriate for all students. In some other countries, swimming instructors do not simplify techniques for beginners and therefore do not use the basic and advanced levels approach.

In view of this, learners should learn by practicing activities that are appropriate to their level of functioning and proficiency.

The technical elements of the various swimming techniques are taught in the following order (Amateur Swimming Association, 1977; Thomas, 2005):

• Body position. The learner should be able to assume and maintain a flat, steady, streamlined position. This provides a minimum of resistance and thus allows maximum forward movement.
• Leg action or kicking. In most swimming techniques, the primary function of leg action is to achieve and maintain a horizontal body position. For this reason, it is important to learn effective leg action in the early stages of learning swimming techniques. Once the horizontal position is achieved, the legs can assume their role as a possible propulsion aid for the arms. The legs also serve to balance the arm action and make the overall technique more effective.
• Arm action or arm stroking. The main propulsion force in almost all techniques comes from the arm movements.
• Breathing is coordinated with the arm movements. The peculiarity of swimming compared to land-based activities is that breathing is strictly technique-dependent. Breathing in swimming mechanics and frequency is synchronised with arm movements. In all swimming techniques except backstroke, exhalation occurs underwater and thus against greater resistance than in air.
• Timing refers to the relationship or coordination between leg and arm movements and breathing. Ideally, perfect coordination of arms and legs results in smooth progress with nearly constant propulsion and minimal changes in tempo.

The acquisition of the individual elements begins with drills on dry land and continues with drills in water (Figure 1):

• in standing position in the shallow water,
• on the edge of the pool,
• during walking in the shallow water,
• in pairs
• with floating aids,
• without any help.

In the literature you will find several different names for the drills presented on the website. We have tried to be consistent in naming the drills. When naming drills that are performed on land or at/above the edge of the pool or in shallow water or on the wall or from the starting block, the location where the exercise is performed is described first, then the position and/or movement of the learner, and finally the record of the exercise. When naming exercises performed while swimming, only the exercise is described.

The website Learning swimming techniques at the advanced level is designed for mobile devices such as phones and tablets. Therefore, the website can be a useful tool for swimming teachers in their work with students. The content of the website is based on the practical experience of many swimming teachers and coaches. We by no means claim that the drills described are exclusive, nor should they be followed completely. However, we believe that the site offers advice and guidance to all those who wish to improve their knowledge of swimming and their effectiveness as swimming teachers.

1. Amateur Swimming Association. (1977). The teaching of swimming. London: Educational Productions.
2. Thomas, D. (2005). Swimming: Steps to success. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Authors: Jernej Kapus, Dorica Šajber and Igor Štirn

Performers: Lara Pincolič Šajber, Kaja Rožnik, Iza Senčar, Nina Stegu, Blaž Demšar, Luka Rus, and Daniel Soos

Camera operators: Jernej Kapus, Dorica Šajber and Igor Štirn

Computer graphic and programming: Matej Lekše

Video editing: Jernej Kapus, Rok Vertič and Stanko Štuhec

Translation from Slovene to English: Lara Lavrič, Petra Bilíčková, Tino Zimmermann, Jere Hannu Knaapia, and Jernej Kapus

Reviewer: Venceslav Kapus

Publisher: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport

Publication Date: February 2023

All material (video clips and text) is the property of the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport. The University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport owns the copyright to these video clips. Therefore, they may not be reproduced, edited or published in other media.

Contact: jernej.kapus@fsp.uni-lj.si

Jernej Kapus, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Sport, Gortanova 22, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia