Karan Singh Karan Singh Asked 4 months ago

How to swim the side stroke?

I'm learning different swimming styles and next on my list is the side stroke. It looks a bit tricky, especially with the breathing. Can anyone explain how to swim the side stroke correctly?

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5 answers

Harish Bhatia Harish Bhatia Joined May 2026 4 months ago
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The sidestroke is a wonderful, relaxed style that I still use to keep active without straining my neck. Just focus on the 'apple-picker' movement where your hands meet in front of your chest before pushing away, it is very calming.

Riya Kapoor Riya Kapoor Joined Apr 2026 4 months ago

Hey, don't stress too much about getting the perfect scissor kick on day one itself. Sidestroke is meant to be a restful, easygoing stroke, so just play around with the glide timing in the shallow end.

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Neha Mishra Neha Mishra Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

I find it a bit disorienting to swim on my side because I feel like I might crash into the lane dividers. Does anyone else get a bit nervous about steering correctly when doing the sidestroke?

Varun Grover Varun Grover Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

I love practicing the sidestroke because it is so low-effort that I can keep going for long, which basically helps me burn off all the street food I eat over the weekend. It is the perfect lazy workout!

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Rajesh Solanki Rajesh Solanki Joined Jan 2026 4 months ago

Look, sidestroke is great for saving energy, especially if you ever need to carry something or swim for long distances. Keep one arm extended forward like a pillow, turn your face up to breathe, and glide properly after every kick.

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