Bibliographic identification ŠATRA, Michal: The historical development of the technique of swimming styles in connection with changes in the rules [Diploma thesis]. Charles University in Prague. Faculty of Physical Education and Sport. Department of Swimming. Supervisor: Mgr. Babeta Chrzanowská. Prague: FTVS UK, 2012. Abstract The aim of this thesis is to describe the development of the techniques of each individual swimming style on the basis of all available materials and to discover its connection with significant changes in the respective style's rules. The purpose of this thesis is to point out the most important changes in the rules of swimming within their historical context. A DVD which contains a practical demonstration of various swimming styles forms part of this work. Keywords Swimming, free style, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, swimming style, swimming technique, historical development, contemporary style, rules, historical photos, DVD.