Here are some basic swimming terms that are useful whether you’re just getting started or looking to understand the sport better: 

• Freestyle (Front Crawl): A swimming stroke where the swimmer lies on their stomach and alternates arm movements while kicking with the legs. 
• Backstroke: A stroke where the swimmer lies on their back and uses an alternating arm movement while performing a flutter kick. 
• Breaststroke: A stroke characterized by a frog-like kick and simultaneous arm movements in a circular pattern, with the swimmer’s body remaining mostly horizontal. 
• Butterfly: A stroke where the swimmer uses a dolphin-like kick and simultaneous arm movements, with both arms moving together and the body undulating. 
• IM (Individual Medley): A swimming event where the swimmer performs each of the four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle) in a specified order. 

• Kickboard: A floatation device used to practice kicking techniques. 
• Pull Buoy: A flotation device placed between the legs to help swimmers focus on their arm technique by reducing leg propulsion. 
• Tumble Turn: A somersault performed at the end of a lap to change direction and continue swimming in the opposite direction efficiently. 
• Flip Turn: Another term for tumble turn, usually used in freestyle and backstroke events. 
• Lap: One complete length of the pool, from one end to the other. 
• Set: A series of swimming distances or repetitions, often used in training workouts. 
• Drill: Specific exercises or techniques focused on improving a particular aspect of swimming, such as stroke mechanics or breathing. 
• Warm-Up: Exercises and swimming done at the beginning of a practice or competition to prepare the body for more intense activity. 
• Cool-Down: Swimming done at a slower pace at the end of a practice or competition to help the body recover. 
• Stroke Rate: The number of strokes taken per minute, which can affect swimming speed and efficiency. 
• Stroke Count: The number of strokes taken to complete a length of the pool, used to gauge efficiency. 
• Water Polo: A team water sport that combines swimming and ball handling, played in a pool. 
• Swim Cap: A cap worn to reduce drag and keep hair out of the swimmer’s face. 
• Goggles: Protective eyewear used to see clearly underwater and protect the eyes from chlorine. 
• Start: The beginning of a swim race, usually initiated from a diving block or the edge of the pool. 
• Finish: The end of a swim race, marked by touching the wall or timing pad. 

These terms should help you get a good grasp of the basics in swimming! If you have any specific questions or need more detailed explanations, feel free to ask.