The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-02-05
IT'SEASY TO SWIM
Prof. Naismith Teaches Stu
dents in Is Minutes.
Begins by Showing Them ''DOg
Fashion, Stroke.

Lawrence, kan, Feb. 5.-Teaching
men to swim in is minutes is one or
the accomplishments of Doctor James
Naismith, head of the physical train
ing department OF the University or
Kansas. Since this announcement
several physical directors from other
schools have visited the pool in Rob
inson gymnasium and have been
shown. Lieutenant Manse. an army
officer from Fort Riley, was ordered
here by the United States government
this morning to be shown" and he
has been satisfied by the methods
demonstrated by the veteran head of
the training department.
THE system which I have adopted
IN teaching swimming is very simple,
said Doctor Naismith. 1T simply goes
back to foundation principles. All
animals, excepting man, swim in the
same position that they walk. The
result of this is that swimming is nat
ural in the lower animals; they are
In their natural position and conse-
ouently use the same motion as when
walking.
How To SWIM Easily.
Teaching men to swim resolves
itself into two factors. The first step
is to learn to keep the body in a hor1-
zontal position with the head slightly
elevated but close to the water. To
accomplish this it is necessary to
make an effort to keep the feet near
the surface of the water. The cause
of this lies in the fact that the chest,
containing the lungs, abs less SPECIFIC
gravity than the limbs SO that the feet
tend to sink This makes an effort TO
keep the horizontal position necessary.
The best results are gained by
stroke of the leg from the knee down,
keeping the foot we'll extended and
striking the water with its back.
''The second principle rests on the fact
that when a heavy body strikes the water
in a slanting position with an impetus),
almost parallel with the surface 1t is i'm
possible for the body to sink Therefore
when the body of the swimmer is In the
position already described when 1t has
a forward motion it is impossible for 1t
to go down. If the swimmer uses all his
power in pulling himself forward, float
ing will take care of ITSELF Ihe moment
that we atetmpt to keep the body afloat
it assumes the vertical position and sinks.
Dog Fashion for Starters.
1.-The stroke that is the quickest master
ed, thought it is some times condemned
as raceful is the crawl better known
to youthful swimmers as dog fashion
The stroke is first learned on land After
the beginner has mastered the principle
of the stroke he is allowed to go into the
pool. Here he must for a time practice
the leg motion in order to insure the all
necessary horizontal position. After he
has attained some degree Of perfection in
this he is made to try the crawl stroke
First with one hand and then the other,
floating his body partly by. the leg stroke
and parity by supporting hlmselr with MS
idle hand on the pool rail
after this a belt is paced about the
pupils waist attached to a short pole so
that there will be INN ediate aid IN case
of accident and he is allowed to strike
out for himself 1t is not practicable to
hold the beginner up as he Will then de-
pend on the instructor once ne mas
crossed alone he has confidence and in
short time will do creditably as SWIM
mer-