THE PROPELLER It requires considerable practice to attain perfection in this trick. One must be able to float well, and so balance the body as to counteract the sculling action of the arms while the exercise is being performed. The movement has the tendency of raising the head above the level at which it ought to be, in order to allow the body to float properly, and thereby brings about the sinking of the feet. At the start the swimmer should turn upon his back, place his hands at the side of his body, keep the head back and the feet closed. A slight movement of the hands from the wrists will suffice to keep the body in position on the surface. Then swing the arms with a sweep from the body, under the surface of the water, until they arc at full stretch beyond the head. This action propels the body feet foremost. Directly the body is in motion the hands should be moved, by the wrists and forearms only, in semicircular or scoop-like sweeps, the palms being turned outwards and the thumbs to the front. The pace can be easily regulated, and if necessary
the body turned round, by slackening the movement of one hand and increasing that of the other, the body then turning to that side on which the slower movement is taking place. A stoppage can be made by bringing the arms to the side again. This trick, although somewhat difficult to learn, has a simple and graceful appearance, and becomes very interesting in practice, especially when the changes of position which can be brought about by any slight alterations of the hand move ments, as well as the small force required to keep the body in motion, are studied on scientific lines.