Short Axis vs. Long Axis
The difference between short axis and long axis strokes in swimming lies in the source of kinetic energy driving forward motion. Short axis strokes, such as breaststroke and butterfly, generate power through the hips, resulting in a forward motion. In contrast, long axis strokes, like frontcrawl (freestyle) and backstroke, derive power from the body's rotational momentum, creating a side-to-side motion. Understanding these distinctions can help swimmers refine their techniques and enhance performance.
Short Axis Swimming Strokes
Breaststroke – Platypus
The platypus glides gracefully in water, using its webbed feet and front limbs in a smooth, sweeping motion. This resembles the breaststroke, which emphasizes coordinated arm and leg movements followed by a glide phase.
Visual Cues
- Arms and legs move symmetrically, creating a rhythmic pull, kick, and glide sequence.
- Look for a smooth and steady glide after each stroke, with minimal splashing.
Additionally
- Hands must push forward together from the breast, recovering on or under the water, with elbows submerged (except at turns or the finish).
- Legs must perform a simultaneous kick on the same horizontal plane without alternating movements.
Butterfly – Dolphin
The butterfly stroke mirrors a dolphin's movement with its powerful wave-like body undulation and synchronized propulsion, creating a rhythm that flows effortlessly through the water.
Visual Cues
- A wave-like motion of the body, with arms moving symmetrically in a wide arc.
- Two kicks per arm cycle: a strong one during the pull and a smaller one during recovery.
Additionally
- Both arms must recover over the water and pull underwater simultaneously.
- Both legs must kick together without alternating or breaking the symmetry.
Long Axis Swimming Strokes
Freestyle – Tuna
Tuna are built for speed and efficiency, propelling themselves with rapid, continuous fin movements, much like the streamlined, alternating strokes of freestyle swimming.
Visual Cues
- Smooth, continuous arm strokes with alternating recovery above the water.
- Steady flutter kicks with minimal splashing, maintaining a streamlined position.
Additionally
- The swimmer must remain on the surface except for the first 15 meters after the start and each turn.
- Any stroke is allowed, but the swimmer must maintain continuous motion throughout.
Backstroke – Otter
Backstrokers resemble otters, gliding effortlessly on their backs with coordinated, alternating movements and a relaxed, buoyant posture.
Visual Cues
- Alternating arm strokes with one pulling underwater while the other recovers above.
- Steady flutter kicks and a straight, streamlined body position.
Additionally
- Swimmers must stay on their back throughout the race, except during turns.
- They must surface within 15 meters after the start and each turn.