The elementary backstroke is generally considered the easiest swimming stroke for beginners to learn.
This is primarily due to the following reasons:
-
Simple body position: The elementary backstroke is performed on your back, which naturally aids in buoyancy and reduces the need for complex body positioning.
-
Basic arm and leg movements: The arm and leg motions are relatively simple and don't require a high degree of coordination initially. They can be easily broken down into manageable steps.
-
Breathing: Breathing is straightforward since the face is out of the water throughout the stroke. This removes the anxiety associated with learning to coordinate breathing and stroke movements, making it more accessible for beginners.
Once comfortable with the elementary backstroke, beginners often transition to the freestyle (also known as the front crawl), which is a good next step for improving skills and practicing breathing techniques in the water.