SIDE STROKE.
This stroke is generally learned after the common breast stroke has been acquired. It is the swiftest means of propulsion through the water that can be adopted, and is specially of service in competitions as to speed.
In what is known as a " go-as-you-please " contest, where each competitor has the privilege of swimming in any manner he may choose, the person adopting this stroke, other things being equal, has a great advantage, it being easier and more effective than the breast stroke. Side swimming is usually said to be more exhausting than breast swimming. This is, however, a matter of opinion. Captain Webb, in his celebrated swim across the English Channel, swam whole distance, about twenty-three miles, on his breast. Horace Davenport, E. T. Jones, Willie Beckwith, Thomas Finney, and others, have accomplished considerable distances on the side. From the writer's own knowledge, lie concludes that, for long, enduring display, the breast stroke is preferable ; while in races where speed is wanted the side stroke is best, in fact, it is unequalled. There.is a diversity of opinion as to the position which should be adopted by the side swimmer ; some advocate the right as best, and nearly all self-taught swimmers lie on the right side in executing this stroke. The author prefers the left, for the following reasons : The upper arm; in the side stroke, is one which has the most work to do ; it is better; therefore, to place the stronger arm (generally the right) in that position.
It is admitted that the strain upon the chest is considerable in breast swimming, while it is rarely felt in side swimming. There is, however, one drawback in connection with the side stroke, and that is "steering." In breast swimming the human body is symmetrically situated, and the propelling force being equal at both sides, the body advances in a straight line ahead, and the steering is easy.' In side swimming greater care is required ; the learner must understand that the head is the helm, the slightest inclination of which will alter the course, and as it is awkward to look ahead in this position, he had better align two fixed objects in the rear and steer by them. This is
the only drawback, if it be one, to the side stroke. Its advantages are many. The best method of effecting this stroke is as follows : The learner should lie upon the left side, stretching out the left arm to its fullest extent in advance of his head, the right arm should be straightened out in the opposite direction, so that the palm of the hand rests upon the right hip. The legs should be stretched out at full length and kept close together, with the feet turned back in such a manner that the toes are in a direct line with the knees, as shown in Fig. 16.
In executing the first arm stroke, the left arm should be struck downwards and backwards, that is, toward the body, and then brought up under the head by bending the elbow, while the right arm is brought under the level of the chin as far beyond the head as can be managed without lowering the right shoulder, so that the elbow of the right arm will just lie over the fingers of the left hand (see Fig. 17).
Care should be taken to glide the right hand along below the sur face, and in such a manner as to offer the least possible resistance to the water.
In making the first leg stroke the knees should be drawn up gently until the thighs form a right angle with the body. The feet being kept close together and the knees wide apart, as shown in Fig. 17. The first leg stroke and the first arm stroke should be exei cuted at the same time. The second leg stroke is made by extending the right leg in a line with the thigh of the same leg, at right angles with the body, and then straightening the left thigh in a direct line with the body, and bending the same leg at the knee backwards, so as to enclose between both the legs and thighs as large a body of water as possible (see Fig. 18). In executing the third leg stroke, the thighs and legs should be brought together with considerable energy, the left leg coming forward with a flat-like motion, and the right leg falling back till they meet in their original position (Fig. 16).