The combat side stroke is a specialised swimming style developed for military purposes, particularly by elite forces such as the Navy SEALs. Designed for silence, endurance, and efficiency, this stroke combines elements of freestyle, breaststroke, and sidestroke to minimise splashing and conserve energy.
Unlike traditional swimming strokes, this technique allows swimmers to cover long distances while staying low on the water's surface.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn a new skill, preparing for a tactical swimming test, or simply curious about military swimming methods, this guide will break down the combat side stroke step by step to help you master it with confidence.
How Do You Swim Using the Combat Side Stroke?
Learning the combat side stroke can feel challenging at first, but by breaking it down into simple steps, beginners can quickly build confidence. This section covers each part of the stroke clearly and in a structured way, helping you understand how to move efficiently through the water.
Start with a Streamlined Body Position
Begin by floating on your side in a fully extended position. The leading arm (the one closest to the bottom of the pool) is stretched forward with fingertips pointing straight ahead, while the trailing arm rests along the side of your body.
The head stays in a neutral position, eyes looking slightly forward and down, with the face partly submerged and the mouth just above the water's surface.
Keep your legs straight and together to minimise drag. Engage your core muscles to prevent your hips from dropping, as this can create resistance.
Keep your body aligned from head to toe, as if you were gliding along a narrow line. This will reduce drag and form a strong base for the strokes that follow.
Begin the Pull with the Leading Arm
The movement starts with the leading arm performing a sculling motion. Turn your palm slightly outward and sweep your hand outward and downward in a semicircular path, bending the elbow to catch the water effectively.
Once the hand passes the chest, continue pulling back until it reaches the thigh.
This movement should feel controlled, not rushed. Focus on pushing the water backward to generate forward propulsion with a smooth, purposeful motion. Avoid splashing or jerky movements, the aim is to create steady propulsion while maintaining balance and a streamlined position.
Combine with the Trailing Arm Pull
As the leading arm finishes its pull, the trailing arm begins to move. Swing it forward with a relaxed circular motion just above or below the water's surface, and extend it forward to meet the leading arm. Both arms are now stretched out in front, ready to begin the next cycle.
Timing is crucial here: the trailing arm should not pull too quickly, as this can disrupt the rhythm and waste energy.
Ideally, the trailing arm moves forward as the leading arm finishes its pull, helping to maintain continuous movement. Keep the elbow slightly bent as the trailing arm enters the water to reduce splashing and make the motion feel smoother.
Perform the Scissor Kick
The scissor kick is an essential part of the combat side stroke, providing the propulsion that moves you forward through the water.
Start by slightly bending your knees and opening both legs, with the top leg (closer to the water's surface) moving forward, while the bottom leg moves backward to form a “V” shape.
It is important to keep the movement controlled and avoid bending the knees too deeply, as this wastes energy and creates drag.
Once the legs are fully opened in opposite directions, bring them together quickly and powerfully, engaging the thigh and glute muscles. The timing of the kick should be aligned with the arm pull: perform the kick as the leading arm finishes its pull and the trailing arm reaches forward.
Keep your toes pointed and legs aligned with your body to maintain a streamlined shape, making your kick strong and efficient.
Focus on Breathing Rhythm
Smooth breathing is essential to keep the stroke relaxed and sustainable. As the leading arm finishes its pull, slowly turn your head upward only as much as needed for your mouth to clear the water.
The movement should be minimal, lifting your head too high can disrupt your balance and slow you down. Take a steady breath during this brief moment, then return your face to the water as both arms extend forward.
When your face submerges again, exhale slowly and fully through your nose or mouth. This keeps the breathing cycle calm and prevents carbon dioxide build-up, which causes fatigue.
Use a natural rhythm: pull, breathe, glide, exhale. With practice, breathing will become a natural part of your movement.
Glide and Reset
The glide phase is a defining feature of the combat side stroke compared to other, more aggressive swimming styles. After the pull and kick are complete, straighten both arms in front and keep your legs straight and together. This streamlined position allows you to move through the water with minimal resistance and conserve energy.
Hold this glide position for one to two seconds before starting the next stroke cycle. The glide should feel smooth and controlled, not rushed.
Use this time to check your body alignment, making sure your head, body, and legs are in one straight line. A well-executed glide improves efficiency and helps maintain a steady pace during long-distance swimming.
Repeat With Smooth, Continuous Movement
To master the combat side stroke, it's important to connect each part of the stroke into one flowing movement. Move smoothly from the arm pull to the scissor kick, then to the glide, and reset for the next cycle. Each phase should feel connected without any jerking or sudden movements.
Focus on timing: as the front arm finishes its pull and the legs come together in the kick, the back arm should already be moving forward.
This keeps the momentum going and prevents loss of power in the water. Regular practice builds muscle memory, so your body will naturally perform this stroke efficiently. Over time, the entire movement will feel like one graceful, unbroken sequence.
Combat Side Stroke Technique vs Traditional Side Stroke
Although the combat side stroke and the traditional side stroke share a similar foundation, they differ in several important ways that affect speed, efficiency, and purpose. The traditional side stroke is generally used for leisurely swimming and rescue situations, with lower speed and a focus on comfort.
In contrast, the combat side stroke was developed by the military to maximise silence, endurance, and streamlined movement, making it well suited for tactical situations such as long-distance swimming or infiltration operations.
One key difference lies in the arm movement. In the traditional side stroke, the front arm pulls while the back arm remains passive at the side of the body. In the combat side stroke, both arms are used actively: the front arm performs a strong sculling motion, and the back arm follows with a freestyle-like movement to create continuous propulsion.
Another difference lies in body position. The traditional style keeps swimmers more upright, comfortable but less streamlined. The combat side stroke keeps the body flatter and more horizontal, reducing drag and keeping the swimmer close to the water's surface, important for efficiency and concealment.
The leg kick also differs. The traditional side stroke uses a light scissor kick to maintain balance, while the combat side stroke uses a sharper, stronger kick, precisely timed with the arm movement to generate greater propulsion.
Overall, the combat side stroke is designed to be faster, more energy-efficient, and tactically effective, making it a valuable skill for swimmers looking to improve their endurance and technique beyond recreational strokes.
5 Common Mistakes In The Combat Side Stroke (And How To Fix Them)
1. Excessive Body Rotation
Beginners often roll too far onto their chest or back, which disrupts balance and increases drag. This makes the stroke feel unbalanced and causes quick fatigue.
The solution: keep your shoulders level and your body flat, with only slight rotation for breathing. Drills such as the “side balance float” are very effective for setting the correct body angle.
2. Mistimed Arm Movements
Another common mistake is pulling both arms at the same time or starting the back arm too early, disrupting the flow and wasting energy.
The solution: think of the stroke as a relay, the front arm finishes its pull before the back arm begins moving forward. Use mental cues like “pull, then reach” to help with timing.
3. Weak or Untidy Scissor Kick
Many swimmers bend their knees too deeply or let their legs fall out of alignment, reducing propulsion.
The solution: open your legs into a “V” shape with straight legs, then bring them together quickly and firmly. Vertical scissor kick drills are very helpful for strengthening this technique.
4. Lifting the Head Too High When Breathing
Lifting the head too high when breathing disrupts balance and creates drag.
The solution: turn your head only slightly so your mouth clears the water, keeping one goggle below the surface. Practising floating on your side while breathing can help build the correct habit.
5. Skipping the Glide Phase
Many swimmers rush and don't make full use of the glide time, which drains energy and reduces stroke efficiency.
The solution: after each pull and kick, straighten your arms and hold the glide position for one to two seconds. Use a count such as “one thousand, two thousand” to build patience and a natural rhythm.
Combat Side Stroke Breathing Technique: Tips for Smooth and Controlled Movement
Sync Your Breath With Arm Movement
The best time to breathe is when the front arm finishes its pull and the back arm starts moving forward. This moment naturally creates space to turn your head and take a breath without disrupting your rhythm.
Keep Your Head Low and Neutral
Turn your head just enough for your mouth to clear the water, keeping one goggle submerged. Imagine your head resting on a pillow as you breathe.
Exhale Underwater
Don't hold your breath until the next inhale. Breathe out slowly and fully as your face re-enters the water to keep the breathing cycle calm.
Practise With Side-Breathing Drills
Drills such as the “single-arm side glide” and side kicking with a kickboard are very effective for practising head rotation and breathing technique without having to coordinate the entire stroke.
Keep Your Upper Body Relaxed
Tension in the neck and shoulders disrupts breathing and makes swimming feel harder. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your neck soft while swimming.
Sync Your Scissor Kick for Balance
Timing the kick with the rotation for breathing helps keep the body stable and balanced as the head turns to the side.
Bilateral Breathing Practice (Optional)
Practising breathing on both sides helps balance the muscles, align the stroke, and makes you more adaptable in different swimming conditions.
Use the Glide to Manage Your Breath
The glide phase gives you time to exhale fully and calm the body. Straighten your body and use this time to control your breathing.
Hypoxic Training (Advanced)
To improve lung capacity and breath control, practise hypoxic sets such as breathing every five strokes, starting slowly and under supervision.
Practise in Calm and Choppy Water
Breathing in calm water differs from breathing in open water. Practise your technique in various conditions so you can adapt and stay efficient in real situations.
Conclusion on Combat Side Stroke Technique
Mastering the combat side stroke is not just about learning a new swimming style, it is about building endurance, control, and precision in the water.
With a focus on a streamlined body position, well-timed arm movements, a strong scissor kick, and efficient breathing, you will develop a technique that is powerful and sustainable, whether for fitness or tactical needs. Remember, progress takes time, so be patient and keep practising consistently.
Frequently asked questions
Does the combat side stroke help with water safety skills?
Yes, this style improves essential skills such as efficient movement, breath control, and stamina, all important for survival situations.
Is the combat technique taught in lifeguard training?
Not typically, but this technique may be introduced in specific rescue scenarios. Lifeguards usually focus on freestyle and breaststroke.
Is the combat side stroke faster than breaststroke?
Generally, yes. The combat side stroke is more streamlined and has a more efficient glide, allowing you to cover greater distances more quickly.
Should combat side stroke practice be done in a pool or in open water?
It is best to start in a pool to build a solid technique. Once you feel confident, practising in open water can improve endurance and adaptability.
Is special certification needed to learn the combat side stroke?
No certification is needed to learn it recreationally. However, military or rescue roles may require proof of competence through a formal assessment.
