What are the different phases of the swim stroke?

There are five basic components of the freestyle stroke. Drilling often helps to break down each phase to fine tune techniques and minor modifications for each of the separate motions. When strung together, a swimmer can perform a faster and more efficient freestyle stroke once they have perfected each component of the stroke itself. First there is the entry. This is the point at which the hand enters the water. Ideally the hand enters at eye level or slightly above the top of the head. The hand should enter at a 45 degree angle so as to minimize splash and not slow the swimmer down. The thumb and index finger should enter first and then the entire body rolls towards the outstretched arm. The catch is the second part of the swim stroke. A strong catch is key to speed and propulsion in the water. Keeping a high elbow will ensure a strong catch as will keeping the fingers close together so as to not lose any water through spread hands. The pull is the next portion of the stroke were the entire body rotates to help propel the swimmer forward. The elbow is bent at a 90 degree angle as the arm travels underneath the body. Use the entire forearm to pull more water. Pushing is the final phase in the under water portion of the swim stroke. Think about brushing your hip with your thumb and extending your triceps while your hand is still submerged. This is the push portion of the stroke. Recovery is the final phase, performed out of the water, as the arm is lifted overhead. Make sure to keep a high elbow as this will offer more propulsion when starting the entry phase.