Lesson 1: Historical Background of Swimming

Introduction
In this module you will learn and know about the historical development of swimming.
This includes the important events and the people gave grate contribution in the development
of swimming.

Objectives:
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
A. identify the different contributors and their contributions in the development of
swimming;
B. trace the historical background of swimming; and
C. recognize the evolution of world records in competitive swimming.

Reading I
History of Swimming
Caveman showed their swimming technique in the paintings on the cave wall. It is likely
that they overcame water obstacles dog-peddling and doing propulsive arm movements similar
to today's freestyle arm-stroke, or clung to logs and animal bladders. In some cave paintings
from the stone-age we can discover some kind of swimming like moves but it is not easy to
identify the style.
On an ancient Egyptian clay tablet from 4000-9000 B.C. it is easier to identify the
swimming style. The arm-stroke clearly shows the moving phase of the freestyle arm-stroke:
one arm is depicted in the recovery phase above the water, while the other am caries out the
puling action under the water

The ancient Greeks

 Swimming was a measure of culture.

 According to Plato "Those uneducated who can neither swim nor read and write,
cannot hold a public position".
  Swimming was not included in the programme of the Olympic Games but it was
an important part of education.
In Mesopotamia

 Swimming was evident in the pictorial or written records hereof in almost

every nation's culture from the Sumerian to the Assyrian.
 Their scientific achievements include water pools and swimming pools.
Excavations in Syria revealed four-thousand-years old baths.
 Swimming was an integral part of combat training of the Assyrians as well
as young people in Israel received obligatory swimming lessons.
 Herod the Great (73 B.C.-4 A.DJ. king of Judea. made swimming
compulsory to all mole children.
The rest of the ancient people

 Germanic peoples used swimming as a tactical exercise. And that the Finnish
considered it as natural movement as running.
 The Icelandic folklore also reports a number of swimming deeds, which shows that both
men and women were excellent swimmers. In Japan, swimming had an important role
in the training of the Samurai. It was one of the noble skills. According to the historical
records the first known swimming competition was held in the isolated island country in
36 B: C. organized by Emperor Su Gui.
 In the remote India, the ancient records of swimming can also be found. One of the
first pools used for swimming is located here, in Mohenjo- daro, dating back to 2800
B.C. and measuring 30x60 meters.

Swimming and Spa Life in Middle Ages

 After the fall of the Roman Empire (476 A.D.). Water has lost its popularity. Any contact
with it was considered unclean and sinful. "Every day bathing and swimming in open
water are extremely harmful to health".
 The Church prohibited physical exercise, swimming and even bathing. As "pure body
covers impure soul”.
 The first Swimming manual by Nycolus Wynmann., a university professor in Ingolstodt,
published in 1538 entitled “The art of swimming” the author presents not only the
swimming styles and how to teach them but also describes how to jump in the water,
how-to dive and how to save someone from drowning.
 In 1587, Everard Digby wrote De Arte Nandi, and in 1696 Melchisédech Thevenot
published Art of Swimming Represented in Images, and Instructions for Useful Bathing,
a popular wok of the author throughout Europe.
 In 1786, a work propagating similar humanist thoughts was published in Paris: "Art de
nager". Its author says that a man can swim originally, only civilisation distorted him.
The Renaissance

 By the 18th and 19th centuries, open water swimming has become more and more
popular. In default of swimming pool, bathing cabins were installed on the riverside and
seaside, or mobile "ambulant cabins" were set up.
 In the second half of the19th century swimming pools started to be built. The first
facilities were wooden framed swimming pools on rivers. On the bottom, down to the
bottom of the river nets closed them from the river or the lake. They were fixed by
chains and ropes, and they were moored due to the stream of the river.
 The revolutionary new features of physical education in the 18th and 19th centuries
became prevailing also in swimming lessons. Basedow (1723-1790 and Guts-Muths
(1779-183P) initiated swimming and water saving lessons in schools.

Enrichment Activity
Activity I
Name: ____________________________________ Date:_______________
Year Level and Section: ______________________ Score: ______________
1-5. Describe the development of swimming in the ancient Greeks and in Mesopotamia?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6-10. Tell something about the important events in Swimming and Spa Life in middle Ages.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
11-15. Write something about the important events in the Renaissance Swimming.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Reading II
The Origins and Evolution of Competitive Swimming

 Captain Bayton was also considered to be a great long-course swimmer. In 1976 he

drew attention to himself when he swam from Linz to Budapest in a specific way, lying
on his back, with oars in his hands and a sail attached to his feet. He covered the
distance in 52
 Overseas countries have got ahead of Europe, as the first tournaments were held in
Japan in 1810 and in Australia in 1846.
 The first official swimming competition in Europe was organized in the UK in l869, the
year of the formation of the British Swimming Federation. The competition was
organized in the River Thames for the distance of an English mile (1609 m].
 The first Olympic Games in 1896 swimming has been included in the programme of the
Olympics. At the first Olympic Games in Athens Swimmers competed only in four
events: 100. 500. 1200 metres freestyle and the event organised for the Greek seamen,
where everyone could swim in a style as he wanted or as he could.
 From 1900 backstroke, then from 1904 breaststroke and finally in 1956 butterfly were
also included in the events of the Olympics programme. The individual medley only got
into the Olympic swimming events in 1964 at the Tokyo Games.
 The international organisation of swimmers, FINA |Federation International de
Natation) was founded on 19 July.

Among the swimming competitions which are organized by FINA the most important ones are:

 FINA Swimming World Cup

 Short-Course Swimming World cupSwimming World Cup
 Junior World Cup
 Marathon World Cup (10 km or longer distance).

 The first swimming World Championship was held in 1973.

THE EVOLUTION OR WORLD RECORDS IN COMPETITIVE SWIMMING
1905

 The first record-holder of the 100-metre freestyle is the multiple Olympic champion, the
Hungarian Zoltán Halmay. Who set up the record in 1905 at 1:05,8.
1908

 The International Swimming Federation was founded after the Olympics games in
London
1924

 Weissmuller, manage to cross first the one-minute dream limit (57.4) at the Olympics in
Paris at 1924

1956

 After the Olympic Games, FINA, The international Federation recognize by the
international Olympic Committee for Administering International Competitions in Water
Sports, has Banned underwater Breaststroke swimming

 At the Beginning of the competitive swimming, distances were measured in yards (e.g.
in 1904, Halmay won an Olympic gold medal in 50 and 100 yards). Longer distance were
Calculated in Miles. Since Traditional British Distance (100,200,400 yards and 1 mile)
were dismissed May 1st 1957.

 From 1964, at the turn in freestyle the walls of the pools were not to be manually
touched anymore, which accelerated swimming. Over Years, the rules of the
breaststroke have changed the most often. It’s no wonder that so many world records
setup in the events.

 FINA abolished all the world records set up in distances measured in yards.

 The final list of 31 events was determine in which one can beat a world record in a 50-
meter pool (16 male and 15 female events).
Activity II
Name: ____________________________________ Date:_______________
Year Level and Section: ______________________ Score: ______________
Matching Type:
Instruction: Read the statement carefully. Match column A from column B. Write the letter of
the correct answer.
1. They showed their swimming technique in the A. Sydney Cavill
Paintings on the wall cave. B. Caveman
2. He developed free style. C. David Armbruster
3. The Art of swimming. D. Melchisedech Thevenot
4. De Arte Nandi E. Harry Hebner
5. The Art of swimming represented by images. F. Everard Digby
6. He developed Backstroke. G. Basedow and Guts-Muths
7. He developed Butterfly stroke. H. Richard Cavill
8. “ Colymbetes” complete book about swimming. I. Nykolaus Wynmann
9. He developed Back stroke. J. Plato
10. Intitated swimming and water saving lessons
In school.

Activity III “Answer Me”

Direction: Identify and answer correctly the corresponding questions.
1. What does FINA stands for?
- Fédération Internationale de Natation
2. In the 1905 he set a record of 1:05,8. And considered as the first record-holder of 100
meter freestyle and the multiple Olympic champion?
______________________________________________________________________
3. In what year when Weissmuller manage to cross first the one-minute dream limit (57.4)
at the Olympics in Paris at?
________________________________________________________________________
4. The year when International Swimming Federation was founded after the Olympics
games in London
5. In 1956, what stroke was banned by FINA after the Olympic Games?
_______________________________________________________________________
References
1-History –of –swimming-1-1-1-6-ppt
Guzman, R. J. (2017). The Swimming Drill Book. Sheridan Books, second edition

Lesson 2: Knowing the Body Position and Buoyancy in Swimming

Introduction
In this module you learn the concept of Body position and Buoyancy. To move through
the water, you must learn to relax and allow the water to support your natural buoyancy— that
is, your ability to float. Positioning the body for maximum buoyancy with minimum effort is
fundamental to swimming faster.

Objectives:
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
A. gain knowledge on the concept of Body position and Buoyancy;
B. perform properly the different drills for body position and buoyancy following the
mechanics provided for each drill; and
C. master the mechanics in executing the drills.

Readings:
Buoyancy is the force that enables a swimmer to float in the water even when still. Buoyant
force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the swimmer.
Body position will help you to improve your swimming ability. A streamlined body position
will allow you to move through water faster, while the rotation of the hips will help you
generate more power. You must keep your body flat as possible in a straight line.
Activity 1
Direction: Read and follow the steps given in the different drills.
HEAD AND BODY POSITION
Purpose: To help you experience the different sections of your body and to learn the
importance of head position.
Procedure:
1. Stand on deck with your back to a wall that is taller than you.
2. Place your heels against the wall.
3. Push your hips against the wall.
4. Tuck your chin in and place your shoulder blades against the wall.
5. Gently move your head back until it is touching the wall. You should now have four
contact points: heels, hips, shoulder blades, and back of head.
6. Take a small step away from the wall and try to maintain the same posture.
7. Step back against the wall to see whether you were successful.

Focus Points
• This posture will likely feel different from your normal standing posture. That’s okay.
Just feel how your body is lined up when these four contact points are touching the wall.
• Start with your heels and then move up to your hips, shoulder blades, and head.

Tips
• Practice standing or sitting with your ribs stretched upward. This will help you
maintain good posture in and out of the water.
• Have a buddy correct you if you slouch.
• Try to create a straight line from the top of your head, through your spine and down
to your hips.

Question:
What did you observed while doing this activity?
Activity 2

CANNONBALL FLOAT
Instructions: Watch the video-clip and answer the following question.
 https://youtu.be/1x3WSpyNVV4
 List down the procedures on how to do the cannonball float. Write it on the box.

Procedures:
Activity 3
Direction: Read and follow the steps given in the different drills.

STANDING STREAMLINE
Purpose: To introduce the streamline arm position. This skill is the most important one to
master in competitive swimming. Every stroke in competitive swimming begins with
streamline. This drill sets up the succeeding drills in the buoyancy series.

Procedure
1. Stand with your back against a wall.
2. Place your heels, hips, and shoulder blades against the wall as in the Head and Body Position
drill.
3. Allow your head to bend forward and bring your chin down.
4. With your arms out in front of you, place one hand directly over the other with your fingers
together. Line up your middle fingers. Whichever hand will begin the first stroke should be on
the bottom.
5. Wrap the thumb of the top hand around the bottom hand to lock your hands so that you
cannot pull them apart.
6. Straighten your arms overhead so that your elbows are straight and your hands are against
the wall. Your elbows should be as close together as possible.
7. Bring your head back to rest against your arms. Now you are in a streamline.

Focus Points
• Hold your hands correctly—one hand over the other.
• Reach up and back so that your elbows are completely straight.
• Your head should be in front of your arms.
• You should feel four contact points against the wall: hands, shoulders, hips, and heels.

Tips
• Have your coach work with you to ensure that you can do this standing away from the wall.
• Practice in front of a mirror to check your streamline position.

Question:
What did you observed while doing this activity?
Activity 4
STREAMLINE FLOAT and GLIDING IN STREAMLINE

Instructions: Watch the video-clip and answer the following question

STREAMLINE FLOAT
 https://youtu.be/9F_qz4FZZXk
GLIDING IN STREAMLINE

 https://youtu.be/_q2Ud9ji26g

List down the procedures on how to do these two drills. Write your answer on the table.

Drills Procedures

STREAMLINE FLOAT

GLIDING IN STREAMLINE

Self-Assessment
Direction: Answer the following questions briefly.

1. How does buoyancy relate to swimming?

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. What is the body position in swimming?

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Guzman, R. J. (2017). The Swimming Drill Book. Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics.

https://youtu.be/1x3WSpyNVV4
https://youtu.be/9F_qz4FZZXk
https://youtu.be/1x3WSpyNVV4

Lesson 3: Mechanical Analysis of Free Style

Introduction
After your body position is adjusted for maximum buoyancy, the proper mechanics in executing
free style should be taken into consideration. In this lesson the students will learned step by step the
procedures on how to do the different skills involved in free style.

Objectives:
At the end of the module, the students should be able to:
A. gain knowledge on the different skills involved in freestyle;
B. perform properly the different drills in freestyle; and
C. master the mechanics in executing freestyle.
Readings:
BREATHING
Replenishing the body with oxygen is an integral part of any sport, but in swimming, the
added challenge of doing so while in the water makes breathing a primary aspect of swimming
technique. Swimmers must learn to breathe rhymically to best fuel their bodies. In addition,
they must learn to inhale and exhale within the line of the stroke to avoid disrupting the
forward motion of their swimming. In general, timing the inhale with the stroke’s recovery, and
timing the exhale to the power phase makes breathing fit into the forward motion best,
without creating insurmountable drag. This timing also places the exhale to the part of the
stroke that demands the most exertion. So as in other sports, and in life in general, the
swimmer can summon more power by expelling air while applying force. Some scholars of
swimming believe that the rhythm of swimming should actually be determined by a swimmer’s
natural breathing rhythm. This theory makes breathing the central focus in developing the most
effective stroke rate, pace, and strategy. Whether you are sprinting a 50 or swimming a mile,
breathing technique is a factor in your ability to swim better.
Bubbling helps swimmers to breathe properly. When you swim , you inhale through
your mouth when your face is above the water and exhale through your mouth or nose when
your face is under water. By exhaling a steady stream of bubbles as you swim, you can avoid
tension and focus on performance.
Activity 1
Direction: Given the procedure below, execute the following. This activity will serve as a deck
drill activity. Record your performance and the output will be sent in my account.

Procedure

1. Face the wall and hold on to the gutter with both hands. Position your feet against the wall or on the
bottom.

2. Tilt your head up and down from just above the surface of the water to just below the surface.(Put a
mark for the imaginary level of water)

3. As soon as your mouth and nose go below the surface, breathe out and hum as you blow steady
bubbles. This action will ensure a constant exhale while you are underwater. Breathe in only when your
mouth is above the surface.

4. Breathe slowly and stay relaxed. Repeat the motion at least 20 times in a row.

For further understanding, watch the video on this link.

https://youtu.be/JuuKu8mlwW4
Self- Assessment
Direction: Based on your performance and the video, enumerate the focus points that you
must have to consider in executing bubbles.
1.
2.
3.

Flutter kick

The role of the legs in swimming is to provide forward momentum, rhythm, and counterbalance
to other actions of the stroke. While the large muscles of the legs are an invaluable resource to
swimmers, they demand a great deal of oxygen. It is therefore worthwhile to develop good kicking skills.
Swimmers should strive to develop both a productive and a sustainable kick. A productive kick can
relieve the upper body of some of the workload. A sustainable kick is economical in terms of energy
expenditure. Although a consequence of kicking is that the legs will float better, this should not be the
primary focus of kicking. Kicking should be used for forward motion, not to correct floating problems.
Kicking well requires a swimmer to have relaxed feet and ankles, fluid motion, and above all to keep the
feet connected to the water.

Flutter kick is a simple and efficient kick used in freestyle and back stroke. Both legs are kept
parallel.

Activity 2

Direction: Read and follow the procedures in executing flutter kick. Record your output, sent your video
in my account.

Procedure

1. Sit on the edge of the deck/chair. With your toes pointed and your legs extended straight over the
water, touch just your toes to the surface of the water. Then, lower your legs so your feet are about 12
inches (30.5 cm) under the water. Keep your legs close together. (Put a mark on the imaginary level of
water)

2. Slowly raise one foot toward the surface and then lower it back down to 12 inches (30.5 cm) under
the water while raising the other foot. Continue alternately raising and lowering your feet, making sure
that your feet are close together as they pass each other. Keep the toes pointed toward the opposite
end of the pool.

3. Kick the water up toward the surface, but do not go above the surface. Gradually increase the speed
of the kick.

4. As your speed increases, bend your knees a little and relax your ankles.

For further understanding, watch the video on this link.

https://youtu.be/DgZ5-oatDg8
Self-assessment

Direction: Complete the sentence based on your performance and the video.

1. The focus points in executing flutter kick are

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.

Gliding

In swimming, this happens before a stroke begins, between stroke, after a flip turn or at the end of
a lap. Proper gliding technique allows swimmer to maintain momentum while preparing for next stroke.
Glide until you feel yourself slowing in the water and take your first swim.

Procedure in doing the Glide

1. Feet on the floor with knees bent or feet flat against a wall. You can hold onto the wall with one
hand for support.
2. Breath in and place your face in the water
3. Stretch both hands in front of you, making a triangle
4. Push off with your feet, straighten out legs
5. Hold that position for as long as you can
6. Push down on the water with your hands and lift your head
7. Bring your knees up to the chest
8. Feet flat on the floor

Watch this link for further understanding.

https://youtu.be/YTHOpA_EVTM

Activity 4

Direction: Follow the deck drill procedures.