In what direction can sculling typically move the body?

Sculling is a technique used in the water that involves the motion of the arms in a figure-eight pattern, which can generate thrust in multiple directions. Unlike strokes that primarily rely on moving in a single direction, sculling is versatile and allows for movement both horizontally and vertically.

In a horizontal context, sculling can propel the body forward or backward, helping a swimmer to navigate through the water. At the same time, the technique also facilitates vertical movement, allowing for lifting the body up or lowering it down in the water column. This capability makes sculling particularly useful for various scenarios in swimming, such as buoying the body more securely or maneuvering with finesse while treading water or during a rescue. The ability to create movement in both planes distinguishes sculling from other swimming techniques that might be more linear in nature.