THE SIDE STROKE.
The upholders of the good, plain, old-fashioned breast stroke, must now admit that, in point of speed, it has been quite superseded by the im proved method of swimming on the side.
This mode of progression in the water is, how ever, not quite so modern as is commonly supposed. We find it mentioned in a book published so long ago as 1789, entitled the "Art of Swimming," and written by Monsieur Thevenot. The author describes it under the heading "To swim neither on back or belly," and gives as one of its recommendations, " that one side may rest, while the other is employed." In July, 1840, Mr. Andrew Scott won the prize at a match on the Clyde at Glasgow, by swimming in the method just described, viz.,—first upon the one side, and then upon the other.
The swimmers of to-day would treat this chang ing from side to side for the purpose of resting as absurd, because both legs and both arms are work ing equally hard, no matter on what side one is swimming.
The side stroke, properly so called, has been made a matter of careful practice for the past twenty years, until brought to perfection. And it is now a rare occurrence during the course of a fast swimming match, to see a competitor swimming for any length of time on the chest.
Before trying any of the side stroke movements the pupil will do well to be certain that he has attained precision, and as nearly as at all possible, perfection in the art of swimming on the chest. A good, well-executed breast stroke is faster, and more to be admired, than an indifferent side stroke. The improved stroke can never be suc cessfully practised until a good kick has been attained on the chest. Many a learner, in his hurry to learn the side stroke, has acquired a style any thing but graceful; and, once acquired, ungainly movements cannot be got rid of without a great deal of patience and hard work; while, if one masters the plain stroke thoroughly, the new movements will seem comparatively easy.
The advantages of the side stroke are, that the body, offering less friction or surface against the water, cleaves through it much more easily than when lying flat on the chest, a wider kick is obtained, and a double stroke, so to speak, is performed with the hands.
The pupil, when beginning, should accustom him self to the new position by inclining the side of the head to the water, and swimthing his usual stroke. By degrees he may turn on the side, practising first the horizontal stroke with the one hand, and then the perpendicular movement with the other.
Some writers on the subject recommend lying on the left side, but this idea has now been dis carded, and scientific swimmers agree, that to lie on the right side is preferable, for the reason, that a more effectual stroke can be made with the right or "cutwater" hand. The heart's action is also freer, and less impeded than could be the case were the swimmer lying on his left side.
The movements of the stroke in detail are as follows:— Assuming the pupil to be lying on the right side, —let him begin by bringing the right, or undermost hand up to the right shoulder, keep the hand flat, parallel with, and about two or three inches under the surface of the water, with the palm facing to the bottom of the pond, advance it in a straight line in front as far as it can be stretched, now scoop the hand, and strike downward, carrying it in a line with the body, until it reaches the midbody. (See the position of the undermost hand, Plate IV, page 45.) This is the positive, or propelling part of the stroke with the undermost hand, after which it is returned to the shoulder for the next stroke.
The uppermost, or left arm, is to be pulled along the front of the body, from the right shoulder to the top of the left hip, the elbow being kept bent the while. The negative part of the stroke is per formed by returning the hand edgeways to the shoulder from which it started.
With the legs, bring both feet up to the body, heels touching, toes pointing outward, send the topmost or left foot, straight in front of and as nearly as pos sible at right angles to the body, at the same time kicking the undermost or right foot in the direction of one's own back. This motion of the legs seems like a long stride, as in running; now bring the legs sharply together, the top or instep of the right foot, and the inner ankle of the left foot, offering the resisting surface. ( See Fig. in Plate III.) • The movements of legs and arms are performed together thus :—Both hands start from the right shoulder. While the left hand is performing the positive part of the movement, the right arm is being stretched in front, at the same time the legs are kicked apart and pulled together in one movement; while the feet are being brought up to the body after having performed' the positive part of the kick, the right hand is brought downward with a strong pull.