The Swim Strokes

The WCSL follows all USA Swimming Rules and regulations for takeoffs, strokes, turns and relays with some allowances made for younger swimmers who do not want to take off from the swim blocks.  All swimmers are subject to disqualification for improper technique.  They are, however, allowed one false start without disqualification.  Modifications are also allowed for disabled swimmers.  Following USA Swimming rules keeps the competition fair and equitable by preventing a swimmer from gaining an unfair advantage.  It also ensures the integrity of the records in that all races, past and present are swum under applicable rules.  The following are simplified descriptions of each stroke and relay used in the official USA Swimming Rulebook.

In the Freestyle the swimmer can swim any stroke desired, but will usually swim the "crawl" stroke.  Because it is a freestyle stroke, disqualifications are rare but are given for things such as pushing off the bottom, using the lane line as a pull rope or failing to touch the wall at a turn.

In the Backstroke the swimmer must stay on his back except during the turns.  Like freestyle, disqualifications are rare but are given if the swimmer turns over onto his stomach or does a turn incorrectly.

In the Breaststroke the swimmer must stay on their breast (except during turns) and execute simultaneous horizonal arm strokes alternating with simulataneous "frog" kicks of the legs.

In the Butterfly, arguably the hardest stroke, the swimmer must stay on their breast (except during the turns) and execute simultaneous overhead arm strokes combined with simultaneous "dolphin" kicks of the legs.

In the Individual Medley (IM) the swimmer must swim all four strokes in the following order:  fly, back, breast, free.

In the Freestyle Relay, four different swimmers swim one fourth of the distance using the freestyle stroke.

In the Medley Relay, four different swimmers must each swim one of the strokes in the following order:  back, breast, fly, free.