Can someone list all the points involved in reducing drag and improving buoyancy in swimming?

Question

If I were to list the points I have come across:-

1 Hip Rotation to enable total body rotation

2) Streamlined body as narrow and long as possible

3) Head in the water as much as possible

4) Constant arm movement

5) Breathing in and out just sufficiently to remain afloat.

For somebody learning to swim, sculling is supposed to help one keep afloat or help for better feel of the water. I have not mentioned leg movement above becasue that is more to push oneself through the water.

Kindly confirm or add anything if missing

Answer 1

what you have is great but to add to that...

don't look up at the wall during freestyle, when you move your head up your hips drop which slows you down..

also in your streamline keep you head in between your arms to reduce drag.. other than that the only ways to resist drag are to put your hair in a cap, shave your legs, and wear a tight suit!

Answer 2

You should read  "Swimming Fastest" by Ernest W. Maglischo.  He does a good job of explaining the lift and drag forces involved in swimming.  You seem to have the basics listed, but not to grasp the subtleties. For example hip rotation isn't to enable total body rotation, but to minimize drag WHILE putting the body in the most powerful position to pull.  

While you want to minimize resistance by creating a streamline, you are aiming to create a long, compact line.  Many swimmers overreach in an attempt to make themselves longer.  This ends up creating more drag and limits the power available to the swimmer.

The head doesn't want to be 'in the water as much as possible'.  Rather the head should be in a neutral position.  Swimmers should try different head positions to find the 'right' position for them.  Different body types (height, weight, s*x, age, proportion, etc) will impact 'proper' head positioning.  When the head is properly aligned, the hips will float up.

Constant arm movement effects buoyancy or drag in the same manor as leg movement.  Proper arm motions should provide little lift and maximum propulsion.  The kick aids in creating a line, and some recent studies have called into question the impact of the kick to propulsion in freestyle and backstroke.

Your last point make me think of the swimmer taking small, shallow breaths.  Rather the athlete should be breathing normally, reaching a 'full' exhale and inhale during every breath cycle.  You can also 'change' the position of your lungs to alter your balance by 'pressing the T'.

I strongly suggest you read  "Swimming Fastest" or check out "The Bommer Chronicles".  They'll give you a much fuller picture of body balance and the forces of drag and propulsion in swimming.