lashing and fast strokes always denote an
indifferent swimmer. Easy and graceful swimming can only be acquired by
taking slow strokes and keeping the hands under the surface, thereby
obviating all tendency of pushing the arms through the air instead of
the water. While practising these movements the head must be kept down
so as to be supported by the water.

_Right Side._--Practise these movements on the floor. _Arm
Strokes._--The beginner extends the right arm until it straightens in
front, keeping it in this position, thus making it easier to acquire
balance. Place the left hand at the left side. Movement I.--Draw the
left arm slowly up to the chest, palm out. Movement II.--Extend the left
arm as far forward as possible.

Movement III.--Draw the left arm down to the side of the upper (left)
leg, being careful not to bend the elbow. _Leg Strokes._ Movement
I.--Bend both legs back together from the knees down. Movement
II.--Extend the left leg backward from the hip as far as possible, and
the right leg forward from the hip as far as possible.

[Illustration: FIGURE 17]

Movement III.--Snap the legs, which should then be perfectly straight,
together. Now combine both Movements I. as in Fig. 17, then Movements
II. as in Fig. 18, and Movements III. as in Fig. 19. After the pupil is
more advanced he may use his right arm by extending it out from and
bringing it back to the right side of the body.

_Breathing._--Inhale as the left arm is swept alongside the body. Exhale
when left arm is extended forward.

_Left Side._--The same procedure as for the right side may be followed
lying on the left side. This is important to learn as the pupil should
swim equally well on either side. It will also help him to acquire good
form. _Arm Strokes._ Movement I.--Draw the right arm forward close to
the chest, palm out, elbow at the side. Movement II.--Extend the right
arm forward as far as possible, keeping the hand about six inches below
the surface. Movement III.--Sweep the right arm sharply down to the
right side, then rest. The left arm is not used, but held straight in
front to help balance the body. When the pupil is proficient the left
arm may be extended out and brought back as on the right side.

[Illustration: FIGURE 18]

[Illustration: FIGURE 19]

_Leg Strokes._ Movement I.--Bend both legs back, from the knees down.
Movement II.--Spread the legs as wide apart as possible, the right back
from the hip and the left forwa