Getting started

While swimming may be a very daily activity for many people, especially during the summer seasons, if you're thinking about getting serious about it, it takes hard work and dedication to the extreme. When you get serious about swimming you're most likely to join swim team. While some swim teams let anybody join, others require certain qualifications, such as reaching a certain level of difficulty, or knowing certain techniques, or strokes. Also, knowing rules about racing, such as what can and cannot get you disqualified, what equipment is required, and proper and improper attire.

Swim strokes.

There are many different types of strokes for swimming, these are just to name a few:

• The Breast-stroke*;
  A swimming style that's swam on the breast, it's usually the most popular stroke used. In most swim classes, this is one of the first strokes beginners learn. But in swim racing it is known as one of the most difficult strokes requiring more endurance compared to other strokes.
  
  
• The Trudgen*;
  A swimming stroke, also known as the racing stroke, or the East Indian stroke, named after the English swimmer John Trudgen. This stroke has been developed into the front crawl.
  
  
• The Butterfly*;
  A swimming stroke also swum on the breast, while both arms move simultaneously. Also known as the dolphin kick to some, the butterfly stroke, unlike most other strokes, is not easily swam, and requires experience and technique.
  
  
• The Front crawl*;
  Also known as The Australian Crawl, is usually regarded as the fastest swimming style developed. Unlike the (above) strokes, the front crawl is not actually regulated by F.I.N.A*, but it's almost universally swum in freestyle competitions.

• The Sidestroke*;
  A stroke, named so because the swimmer lies on their side. Often used as a lifesaving technique, and for long distance swimming, the sidestroke allows the swimmer great endurance, without as much work needed. A swimmer tired of exercising one side can just turn over and use the other, the change of action helping the limbs recover.
  
  
  
  

• The Freestyle*;
  One of the official swimming competitions, although it is technically not a style.Though there are very few regulations about the way freestyle has to be swum, most swimmers choose to swim front crawl during freestyle, as this style is generally the fastest.
  
  
• The Backstroke*;
  Also known as the back crawl, is one of the four regulated swimming styles, and the only regulated style swum on the back. This has the advantage of easy breathing, but the disadvantage of not seeing where the swimmer is heading to. The Backstroke is also the only competition swimming style that starts in the water.
  
  
• The Doggy Paddle*;
  A simple swimming stroke, it's done by the swimmer lying on their chest and moving their hands and legs alternately in a way that resembles how dogs swim. It's usually the first swimming technique children use when learning how to swim.
  
  
  
  
  

*-word is a link.

Swimming tips

Here are a number of tips to make your swimming more enjoyable.

1. Glide before swimming
   Don’t get in the pool and begin swimming lengths before you are warmed up. Start your session by gliding for a few minutes; this gets the blood flowing and your body gets used to being in the water.
   
   
2. Practice your breathing
   After you’ve done some gliding, try going on your side and getting some breathing practice. Breathing is the key to a successful stroke and the more time you can spend perfecting it the better.
   
   
3. Check the pool session times
   Most pools now have allocated lane sessions when the lanes are sectioned off. Outside of lane sessions you could be weaving in and out of other pool users which can be REALLY frustrating!
   
   
4. Look after your kit
   You should wash your gear thoroughly after each swim to ensure that you are getting rid of the chlorine. This will help prolong its life.
   
   
5. Choosing your gear
   Choose carefully and make sure you aren’t just buying what looks good but what is actually practical. Some swimsuits and trunks from trendy boutiques might look great but could loose their shape or fade after a few swims. Go to a decent sports shop and get some advice on what you should be wearing in the water.
   
   
6. Get a plastic box for your gear
   Go to any of the DIY warehouses and buy one of the plastics tubs that you use for home storage. Throwing wet gear into one after a swim is a lot more sensible than putting it into a sports bag.
   
   
7. Wear a hat
   Regular use of a heavily chlorinated pool can affect your scalp and on occasions make it flake. You can avoid this by wearing a hat, which you can pick up for about £10. It can make all the difference.
   
   
8. Wear a lined top
   If you feel like you can never get warmed up in the water then invest in a lined top as it can significantly increase your enjoyment of your swimming. Make sure it is a snug fit without restricting movement. Pool temperatures can vary considerably so don’t assume you can wear the same in each.
   
   
9. De-mist your goggles
   Goggles are an essential part of swimming correctly and they can mist up if they are not looked after. Get some demisting fluid and use regularly before a swim.
   
   
10. Shaded goggles
    
    If you’re thinking of doing some sea swimming in the summer, consider getting some goggles with shaded lenses. They act like sunglasses and protect your eyes from the sun.
    
    
    
    

Source- http://www.realbuzz.com/en-gb/Types_of_swimming_lessons/index?pageID=503