If you’ve ever wondered how elite military swimmers like Navy SEALs move through the water with speed, stealth, and efficiency, the answer is the combat side stroke. This powerful swimming technique was designed for endurance, low visibility, and energy conservation in rough or open water.
While it may have originated in military training, it’s also incredibly useful for civilian swimmers, especially those interested in survival swimming, open water endurance, or improving overall technique.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the combat side stroke is, how it works, and how you can learn it.
What Is the Combat Side Stroke?
The combat side stroke is a modified version of the traditional sidestroke swimming. It combines elements of freestyle, breaststroke, and sidestroke into a smooth, energy-efficient technique. This stroke was developed by and for special operations forces such as the Navy SEALs because of its stealth (minimal splashing), stamina-friendly form, and tactical body positioning.
Unlike flashy strokes used in racing, the combat side stroke is meant to be quiet, controlled, and sustainable for long distances, sometimes with gear on or in tough water conditions. You stay mostly horizontal and low in the water, which helps you avoid detection and stay streamlined.
Key Features of the Combat Side Stroke
Before we dive into technique, it helps to understand what sets this stroke apart:
- Minimal Splashing: Ideal for stealth and efficiency
- Low Energy Use: Saves stamina over long distances
- Strong Rotation: Uses your body’s side-to-side motion to generate force
- Clear Breathing Pattern: Easy, regular breathing without gasping or twisting
- Built-In Rest Rhythm: One side of the body works while the other recovers
How to Perform the Combat Side Stroke
Now let’s break it down step-by-step:
1. Start on Your Side
Lie in the water on your side, with your lead arm (facing down) extended straight in front of you. Your trailing arm rests alongside your thigh. Your face should be slightly in the water, with your mouth turned slightly upward toward the surface for easy breathing.
2. Arm Movement
Pull with the lead arm. Sweep it down and back as if doing a freestyle stroke. As that arm pulls, your trailing arm (the one near your thigh) begins to bend at the elbow and comes up toward your chest. The trailing arm then extends forward in a circular motion and becomes the new lead arm. The previous lead arm recovers under your body, returning to the thigh to repeat the motion.
This alternating motion gives the stroke its rhythm and efficiency. Unlike front crawl, only one arm is doing the main pull at a time, allowing the other to recover without splashing. This makes the stroke especially useful in scenarios that demand stealth or control, both key principles found in good swimming safety tips for open water and tactical environments.
3. Leg Movement
You use a scissor kick:
- Bring your knees slightly toward your chest.
- One leg moves forward, the other backwards (like opening scissors).
- Snap your legs back together to create propulsion.
Time the scissor kick with the arm pull for maximum effect.
4. Breathing
As you rotate onto your side, your mouth naturally turns out of the water. You can inhale during the glide phase. Since you stay rotated to the side, breathing is more relaxed and less urgent than in freestyle.
Benefits of Combat Side Stroke
The combat side stroke might not be for racing, but it offers plenty of practical and fitness-related benefits:
- Improves Endurance in the Water: Because it conserves energy, this stroke is ideal for long-distance swims.
- Perfect for Open Water: Low-profile and steady movement help you stay on course even in choppy conditions.
- Reduces Shoulder Fatigue: Alternating arm use gives each side a break, reducing the chance of overuse injuries.
- Great for Tactical or Survival Training: The stroke allows you to carry equipment or swim quietly, which is why it’s used in military contexts.
Tips for Learning the Combat Side Stroke
If you’re new to this technique, take it slow. Here’s how to build confidence and get the stroke right:
- Practice the Kick First: Float on your side and focus on the scissor kick until it feels smooth and controlled.
- Break Down the Arm Motions: Practice pulling and recovering each arm on land, then transfer that movement into the water.
- Use Fins if needed: Swim fins can help you feel the kick more effectively while you work on your arm technique.
- Keep It Low and Relaxed: Don’t force speed or splash or do lap swimming. Glide through the water calmly and with purpose.
- Breathe Early and Often: Get into the habit of breathing calmly during the glide. There’s no need to hold your breath too long.
Drills to Practise the Combat Side Stroke
Here are a few drills that will help reinforce proper movement and timing:
- Side Glide Drill: Kick gently while staying on one side, keeping your lead arm extended
- One-Arm Pull Drill: Practice using one arm to pull and the other to recover to your thigh
- Kick Timing Drill: Practice the scissor kick on its own, or with a kickboard held against your chest
- Full Stroke Slow Motion: Swim using full technique, focusing on form rather than speed
Conclusion on Combat Side Stroke
The combat side stroke is a highly efficient, low-impact stroke that any swimmer can learn. Whether you’re training for open water swimming, improving your technique, or simply looking for a change of pace in the pool, this stroke is worth adding to your swim toolkit. It teaches control, balance, and endurance in a way that traditional strokes sometimes miss.
At SwimHub, we believe that every swimmer can benefit from mastering different techniques through our swimming lessons in Singapore. Our instructors guide you through each step at your own pace, helping you improve your form and confidence in the water.
If you’re curious about learning this unique stroke or want personalised swim training, visit SwimHub and let’s get started together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Combat Side Stroke
What Is the Combat Side Stroke Used For?
The combat side stroke is mainly used by military swimmers for stealth and endurance. It’s also helpful for survival swimming and open water training.
Is Combat Side Stroke Hard to Learn?
It can take some time to master the coordination, but it’s easier on the body than many strokes. With proper guidance and practice, most swimmers can learn it.
How Is This Stroke Different from Sidestroke?
While both are similar, the combat side stroke includes overarm movement and a more powerful kick, making it more efficient and suitable for longer swims.
Can Beginners Learn the Combat Side Stroke?
Yes. It’s suitable for beginners who can already float and kick confidently. Start slow and work on one component at a time.
Do I Need to Use Fins to Practice?
Fins aren’t required, but they can help you feel the rhythm
