What is propulsion in swimming?

Propulsion in swimming refers to the action of driving or pushing forward through the water. This is a fundamental concept in swimming, as it involves the mechanics of how swimmers generate forward movement. Effective propulsion allows swimmers to move efficiently and quickly through the water, which is essential for competitive swimming as well as for recreation.

In swimming, propulsion is achieved through various techniques, primarily using the arms and legs. The way a swimmer pulls water with their arms and kicks with their legs plays a critical role in propulsion, helping to overcome the resistance of the water. This concept is key to understanding how different strokes work and how swimmers can improve their speed and efficiency by refining their techniques.

Understanding propulsion is essential for instructors teaching swimming, as it determines how to help swimmers enhance their performance in the water.