We know that many of our Goldfish parents are new to the pool, and we know that it can sometimes be an overwhelming transition! You’re all of a sudden thrust into an environment with new terminology, new swimwear, new exercises, and new equipment—so many new things to learn!
To help you understand the lay of the land, we thought we’d put together a series of posts that introduce you to some of the most common swimming terms, which will hopefully help you communicate with your child as they progress through lessons. One of the first terms you’ll hear during swim lessons is “stroke,” which refers to the different ways swimmers move through the water.

What Are Strokes in Swimming?

Swimming strokes refer to the specific movements swimmers use to propel themselves through the water. Each stroke follows a different rhythm of arm movements, kicks, and breathing patterns that help swimmers move efficiently and maintain control in the water. Learning different swim strokes gives children a clear foundation for building technique, coordination, and water confidence.

The four main swimming strokes include:

  • Freestyle
  • Backstroke
  • Breaststroke
  • Butterfly

Each stroke introduces unique movement patterns that gradually strengthen control and comfort in the water while improving coordination, breathing rhythm, and overall swimming technique over time.

Understanding the Four Basic Strokes in Swimming

Children typically learn the four basic strokes step by step as their skills develop. These strokes build on one another, allowing swimmers to refine coordination, breathing control, and body positioning over time. Structured swim programs often introduce common swimming strokes progressively so children can practice each movement before moving to the next level. This steady approach helps young swimmers feel comfortable while strengthening technique and improving water safety skills. 

Freestyle 

You’re probably already familiar with the freestyle stroke without even knowing it! It was probably the first stroke you learned as a kid. Freestyle is performed face down, with alternating arm movements. Each stroke is performed by driving an arm forward and pushing the water below the surface to propel you forward. Your body (hips and shoulders) should tilt with each arm stroke. As you move your arms, turn your face to the side to breathe. You should always be looking at the bottom of the pool or to the side, never lifting your head out of the water to look straight ahead. While your arms are rotating, your legs should be in a constant flutter kick. Check out Michael Phelps doing the freestyle below: 

Backstroke 

When swimming the backstroke, your face is to the sky because you’re on your back. Think of this as the stroke you learn after you learn how to float. To get moving while doing the backstroke, lie on your back, extend your arms straight in front of you, and then, in an alternating fashion, pull your arm (thumbs out) behind your head before landing pinky first in the water. The stroke doesn’t stop when you hit the water. Keep pulling your arm through the water until you’ve completed a full 360-degree rotation. Then repeat with the other arm. While performing this cyclical pattern, your feet will remain in a constant flutter kick, working with your upper body to propel you swiftly through the water. 

Butterfly 

The butterfly is often the stroke that will be most tricky for your child. For this stroke, you are on your stomach in the water. Start by placing both of your arms straight in front of you at the 12 o’clock position, with your palms slightly tilted outward at about shoulder width apart. For the arm motion, move your arms through the surface of the water downward in a semicircular motion until your arms resurface. While performing this arm movement, your legs should be moving through the water in a dolphin-like fashion. For an example, watch the video below:

Breaststroke 

The breaststroke is the fourth and final competitive swim stroke. In fact, it reminds a lot of people of the movement of a frog! Start face down in the water with your arms at your side. For the arm motion, push your hands forward (about shoulder-width apart) before sweeping them outward in a curved motion, each arm pressing away from your body through the water and then back toward the center to complete the circle. Each time your hands meet in front of you, bring your chest out of the water to take a breath.

Why Kids Learn These Common Swimming Strokes

Learning different swimming strokes helps children develop a wide range of water skills. Each stroke challenges swimmers in a slightly different way, which strengthens overall technique and confidence.

These strokes support skill development in several important areas:

  • Coordination. Arm movements, kicks, and breathing patterns must work together during each stroke. Practicing these movements strengthens body awareness and helps children learn how different parts of the body move together in the water. As coordination improves, swimmers begin to move with better timing and control.
  • Endurance. Learning multiple strokes encourages children to swim longer distances. Repeated practice gradually builds stamina as swimmers continue moving across the pool using different techniques. Over time, children become more comfortable maintaining steady movement without tiring quickly.
  • Confidence. Mastering a new stroke gives children a strong sense of progress and achievement. As they learn how each movement works, swimmers often become more comfortable and willing to try new challenges in the water. This growing confidence supports continued learning and improvement.
  • Preparation for the swim team. Many swim teams expect swimmers to understand the four basic strokes before joining organized practices. Learning these strokes early helps children become familiar with common techniques used in structured swim training. It also gives them a helpful foundation if they decide to participate in competitive swimming activities later on.

Programs that introduce strokes gradually allow swimmers to progress at a comfortable pace while building stronger technique over time.

Helping Your Child Master the Different Swim Strokes

Children improve their swimming skills through repetition, encouragement, and practice outside of lessons. Small opportunities to reinforce what they learn during class can help swimmers feel more confident as they progress.

Parents can support stroke development in several simple ways:

  • Practice during Family Swim. Casual swim time gives children a chance to repeat movements they practiced during lessons in a relaxed setting. This extra practice helps reinforce technique while allowing kids to enjoy the water without feeling pressured.
  • Reinforce swim terminology. Using terms like “freestyle,” “backstroke,” or “kick” helps children connect the movements they perform with the correct names. Hearing and repeating these words makes it easier for swimmers to remember instructions during future lessons.
  • Celebrate progress. Recognizing milestones, such as swimming a longer distance or learning a new stroke, helps children feel proud of their effort. Encouragement from parents can motivate swimmers to continue practicing and improving their skills.

Learning the different swim strokes is an exciting milestone for young swimmers. With the right guidance and practice, children can build strong technique and confidence in the water. Explore Goldfish Swim School’s swim lessons to help your child continue growing their swimming skills.