What is sculling in swimming?

Sculling is a technique that allows the swimmer to keep her head above the water to facilitate easy breathing while swimming. This technique involves a rapid horizontal movement of the arms. This allows the swimmer to move faster through the water.

The water is almost always at shoulder level while sculling. The arms cut through the water in the form of a figure eight. The legs are not used for propelling the body through the water while sculling. As the head is held above the water, breathing and thrust improves. Sculling is often used to teach young children how to swim correctly. It allows children to get a feel for the water.