Combat side stroke

I swam this stroke in SCUBA school in the Navy. It's no different than any other stroke in that you have to press your upper body into the water to keep your hips up. Try to not lift your head up to breathe and instead rotate your head to breathe. I had the same problem when I started and found that if I concentrated on keeping my head down and pressed onto my lower shoulder, I could rotate to breathe and my hips didn't sink. Get out and try different things while you're in the pool. Hopefully you can find what works for you.

Daniel, Comba sidestroke is something unlike anything anyone else does. I have a feeling very few of us have ever even seen it, although this being the internet you'll get several responses. The seal teams have some good swim intructors and if you can somehow get a hold of those folks I think it is your best bet. I remember seeing a combat sidestroke instruction video on almost continuous loop when I was at the Coronado Island base for work. But I can speak in generalities, the higher you lift your head out of the water, the lower your legs will sink, it's action and reaction. So if your head is sticking almost stright up out of the water your feet will tend to want to head straight down. If you can keep your head low, angles more to the side, partially in the water maybe then your feet will stay higher, and this should also help you return to a more horizontal chest down position during that part of the stroke.

Do a search for "combat stroke." This topic has come up here a few times before. I remember someone even posting a good youtube link.

Hi, My name is Dom Aiello. I did the navy seals challenge at ASU, in AZ acouple ofmonths ago. I did not do side stroke for at least 60 yrs. ago. So when I sent in my application, I thought it was freestyle ( AUS. CRAWL). But aday before i said let me check the events. That is when I realized , they do *** stroke or side stroke. So iwent to the pool the day before to see if i could still do side stroke. At first starting at the walli went out on my stomach then I turned to my right side and although it was awkard & slow ,i stuck with it. I would go into a free style postion, but would keep turning on my . After a few lapson my side I got the hang ofit. I rested and did 8 laps, i rested again and did 12 more laps untill i reached 20 laps. All I could tell you is no matter how slow or awkard or slow keep to your side. Keep your lead arm over your head for stroke and the other arm for pulling. if you can try to keep your knees and ankles in motion .Try to keep your head high so you can breath. The side stroke is much slower than freestyle. I have to tell you I felt WOOZY, doing side stroke. You will do OK. But remmember there are other events to complete the challenge. Lots Of luck DOM.:):blush::applaud::)