of little assistance, but
you will find, if you practise the movements alone the way I suggest,
the legs will play a very prominent part in your stroke.

You will be able to make good speed without using the arms. When these
movements are thoroughly mastered, after trying all the different
variations to discover which suits your particular need, you may then
turn your attention to learning the arm stroke.

[Illustration: FIGURE 28]

_The Arm Strokes._--The arms should be practised with the face under
water, moving the legs only sufficiently to prevent them sinking too
low, and also so you can obtain the correct position in the water. The
arms should be bent at the elbows after they are brought out of the
water. The reach should be straight out from the shoulders, placing the
hands as far forward as possible before entering the water; by so doing
you will conserve your energy. Hold the hands like a scoop; they should
be about six inches below the surface before taking the sweep. While
doing this the elbows must be perfectly stiff, sweeping the arms with
considerable force under the surface as far back as the thighs, the
body being propelled forward by the powerful force. Swing the arms from
the shoulders and just lift them enough so they clear the water. Relax
the arms at all times excepting when they take the sweep through the
water.

[Illustration: FIGURE 29]

Some swimmers draw the arms under the stomach, others use the arms
entirely straight, a few place the arms in close to the head and extend
to full length under water. As in the leg stroke, if the pupil tries the
different methods he will find which stroke is the easiest to
accomplish. Having mastered the arms, combine with the legs before
attempting to breathe, as this in itself is quite difficult.

_Breathing._--The breathing must be done entirely through the mouth. On
the crawl the head and not the body must be turned, and just
sufficiently to allow the mouth coming above the water as the left arm
passes the head, and a deep breath can then be taken. When the left arm
comes forward, turn the face under the water and exhale; repeat on every
stroke.

[Illustration: FIGURE 30]

Do not raise your head when breathing or hold your breath for a
consecutive number of strokes. Constant practise will loosen the muscles
of the neck, when you will find it much easier. In the trudgeon crawl
there is a greater roll to the body, and you breathe when rolling toward