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Swimming Maths

Maths in swimming: medley order

Put strokes in the right order.

Quick answer

Maths in swimming: medley order means using maths to understand and arrange the correct sequence of swimming strokes in a medley race. In a medley, swimmers must complete four laps, each with a different stroke in a set order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to arrange the correct order of swimming strokes in a medley race and understand how maths helps you remember the sequence. Success signs:
  • You can name the four swimming strokes in the right order
  • You can use a number line or chart to show the sequence
  • You can create a simple pattern or rhyme to remember the order
  • You can explain why the order matters in a swimming race

Why this matters

Swimming is a sport that uses maths in many ways – from timing and distance to strategy and scoring. When you learn the medley order, you’re using maths to remember a sequence. This skill helps you in school when you need to follow steps, arrange things in order, or remember a pattern. It also helps you understand how races are planned and how swimmers prepare for different strokes.

How it works

A medley race is a swimming event where each swimmer completes four laps, each with a different stroke. The order is always:
  1. Butterfly
  2. Backstroke
  3. Breaststroke
  4. Freestyle
This is a specific sequence that all swimmers must follow. To learn it, you can:
  1. Count the strokes (1, 2, 3, 4)
  2. Use a chart or visual list
  3. Make up a rhyme or song
  4. Practice with a friend or family member

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you’re planning a swimming race. Here are some examples of how you can use maths to understand the order: Example 1: Counting the Strokes You can count the strokes like this:
  1. First stroke = Butterfly
  2. Second stroke = Backstroke
  3. Third stroke = Breaststroke
  4. Fourth stroke = Freestyle
Example 2: Drawing a Sequence You can draw a chart like this:
Stroke Number Stroke Name
1 Butterfly
2 Backstroke
3 Breaststroke
4 Freestyle
Example 3: Swimming Race In a real swimming pool, a 4 x 100m medley relay race means:
  • Each swimmer swims 100m
  • Each swimmer uses a different stroke
  • The order is always: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Swimming Sequence Challenge You are a coach helping a team prepare for a swimming competition. Your job is to make sure the swimmers know the right order of strokes. Here's your challenge:
  1. First, you need to write down the four strokes in order
  2. Then, you must draw a chart showing the order
  3. Next, you should make up a rhyme to remember the order
  4. Finally, you’ll practice saying the order out loud with a friend
This is your adventure. How will you solve it?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking the order is butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle.
    Why it happens: Swimmers often confuse the order of backstroke and breaststroke.
    Fix: Remember: Butterfly (1), Backstroke (2), Breaststroke (3), Freestyle (4).
  • Mistake: Forgetting the first stroke.
    Why it happens: It's easy to forget the first stroke in a sequence.
    Fix: Use a chart or write the order down to help you remember.
  • Mistake: Mixing up the names of the strokes.
    Why it happens: The names are similar and can be confusing.
    Fix: Practice saying the names and use a memory trick like “Butterfly, Back, Breast, Free”.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Playing a memory game with the stroke order
  • Using a chart or drawing the order together
  • Practicing the order out loud
  • Repeating the rhyme or song you create
  • Encouraging children to draw or act out the sequence
It's okay if your child makes a mistake – that's how they learn. The most important thing is that they understand the order and can explain why it matters. Don't worry if they forget at first – repetition and practice will help them remember.

Practice questions

  1. What is the first stroke in a medley race?
  2. What is the fourth stroke in a medley race?
  3. Write the order of the four swimming strokes in a medley race.
  4. How many strokes are in a medley race?
  5. Can you make up a rhyme to remember the order?
Answers:
  1. Butterfly
  2. Freestyle
  3. Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle
  4. Four
  5. Answers may vary – for example: "Butterfly, back, breast, free – that’s the way to swim!"

FAQ

What is a medley race in swimming?

A medley race is a swimming competition where each swimmer completes four laps, each with a different stroke. The order is always butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Why is the order important in swimming?

The order is important because it makes sure all swimmers follow the same rules. This keeps the race fair and helps swimmers prepare for each stroke in a specific way.

How can I remember the swimming order?

You can remember the order by using a chart, making a rhyme, or practicing the order out loud. You can also use a memory trick like “Butterfly, Back, Breast, Free”.

Can I use this order in other sports?

Yes! In other sports, like relay races, the order of participants is also important. Learning how to remember sequences helps in many areas of life.

Is there a pattern in the swimming order?

Yes! The order is a simple pattern: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. You can use counting to remember it. Each stroke has a number in the sequence.