The Physics of Swimminghttp://purpleknights.bridgeport.edu/Images/women/swimminganddiving/Swimming%20Logo.gif

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There are several different strokes that can be used when swimming in the water to acheive different styles and speeds.

Rest Strokes
Rest strokes require your body to use a smaller amount of energy than other strokes. These strokes will allow you to cover a set similar distance as other strokes but in a greater amount of time.

Power Strokes
Power strokes are strokes that streamline your body and move you faster through the water than other strokes. These strokes require more energy than other strokes to move the same distance but in a faster time. These strokes are commonly utilized by swimmers in races.

Why Streamline?
Water creates a lot of drag on the body. The drag is a form of resistance which slows you down. The body position of least drag is that of a flat, streamlined placement. In a streamlined position, it takes less energy to move a larger distance.

Symmetry?
Symmetry is also an important factor in swimming. If your body is not symmetrical in the water, the same force will not be applied to each side of the body. As you swim along, the result of the unblanced forces will be that you do not swim in a straight line but rather veer off to either side. If the forces are extremely unblanced, you may just end up swimming in circles.

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