Long Axis and short Axix Swimming

Long Axis
Freestyle and Backstroke—the two long-axis strokes—are called long-axis as the body should pivot around the long axis running from the feet to the head. In both long axis strokes, the hips and body weight shift from side to side during swimming.

Two of the most common problems with the long-axis-strokes are:
1) maintaining a balanced body position (including keeping the hips and legs from sinking),
2) rotating the hips and body weight adequately to aid in the reach phase of the stroke.

Many of the drills we will work on aide in correcting these two problems and can be used interchangeably for both strokes.

Short Axis
Breaststroke and Butterfly are the two short-axis strokes.
These two strokes work from a pivot point in the hips and create an undulating motion.

The main difference between these two strokes is the recovery.
    Breaststroke recovers under the water;
    Butterfly recovers on top of the water.
    Butterfly uses a dolphin kick and Breaststroke a whip or frog kick.
    Rhythm and timing are two of the most challenging aspects of short-axis strokes.
    A good undulating motion is critical for being efficient with these two strokes.