The sidestroke is a
swimming stroke, so named because the swimmer lies on one's side with asymmetric arm and leg motion. It is helpful as a lifesaving technique and is often used for
long-distance swimming
Long-distance swimming is distinguished from ordinary swimming in that the distances involved are longer than are typically swum in pool competitions. When a given swim calls more on endurance than on outright speed, it is the more likely to be c ...
.
[Thomas, David G. ''Swimming: Steps to success'' p. 71]
/ref> The sidestroke allows the swimmer increased endurance because instead of working both arm
In human anatomy, the arm refers to the upper limb in common usage, although academically the term specifically means the upper arm between the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) and the elbow joint. The distal part of the upper limb between t ...
s and legs
A leg is a weight-bearing and animal locomotion, locomotive anatomical structure, usually having a columnar shape. During locomotion, legs function as "extensible struts". The combination of movements at all joints can be modeled as a single ...
simultaneously in the same way, the side stroke uses them simultaneously but differently.[ A swimmer tired of exercising one side can turn over and use the other, the change of action helping the limbs to recover.][Fredrick Warne & Co. ''Modern Outdoor Amusements'' pp. 18-19]
/ref>
The hands act like oar
An oar is an implement used for water-borne propulsion. Oars have a flat blade at one end. Rowers grasp the oar at the other end.
The difference between oars and paddles is that oars are used exclusively for rowing. In rowing the oar is connect ...
s, and do not waste any power by oblique action. In ordinary swimming on the right side, the left arm moves gently in the water
Water (chemical formula ) is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms (in which it acts as ...
, almost at rest.[ Then, when the used arm becomes tired, the swimmer turns on the other side, and the left arm works while the right arm rests.][
The legs move in opposite directions with legs bent, and straighten as they come together. The kicking motion is exaggerated and slow, opening the legs wide to provide more thrust rather than the small, fast movement of flutter kick.
]
History
Sidestroke evolved in ancient times from swimmers who discovered that it was painful to swim breaststroke
Breaststroke is a swimming style in which the swimmer is on their chest and the torso does not rotate. It is the most popular recreational style due to the swimmer's head being out of the water a large portion of the time, and that it can b ...
with the head above the water.[ The head naturally turned onto its side, which led to the shoulder dropping. The scissor kick became natural in this situation.][
]
Modification
A modification of swimming on the side is the Trudgen
The trudgen is a swimming stroke sometimes known as the ''racing stroke'', or the ''East Indian stroke''. It is named after the English swimmer John Trudgen (1852–1902) and evolved out of sidestroke.
One swims mostly upon one side, making an ov ...
stroke.Thomas, David G. ''Advanced swimming: steps to success'' p. 116
/ref>
See also
* Combat sidestroke, a variation of the side stroke that was developed by and taught to the United States Navy SEALs.
References
{{Swimming styles
Swimming styles