The sidestroke is a swimming stroke, so named because the swimmer lies on one side and it is helpful as a lifesaving technique and is often used for long-distance swimming. The sidestroke allows the swimmer increased endurance because, instead of working both arms and legs simultaneously in the same way, the side stroke uses them simultaneously but differently. A swimmer tired of exercising one side can just turn over and use the other, the change of action helping the limbs to recover.
The hands act directly upon the water like oars, and do not waste any power by oblique action. In ordinary swimming on the right side the left arm moves gently in the water, almost at rest. Then, after some time, the swimmer turns on the other side, and the left arm has its chance to work while the right idles.
A modification of swimming on the side is the Trudgen stroke.
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