There is something seriously wrong with your front crawl
(freestyle actually means any stroke, but most chose front crawl as
it is the fastest and most efficient stroke) as there is no way a
breas.t-stroker can be faster than you (unless the other swimmer is
a master of breas.t stroke).
In front crawl, pulling is the most important part of the stroke.
The kicking simply keeps the body afloat and streamline, and giving
it some forward propeling motion. Keep both hands (with fingers
closed) straight in front of you. Pull with one hand straight
downwards (some advocate a small "S" but not essential) until it
becomes a push near your thigh. The way to practice is to feel your
thumb touches your thigh with your arm fully extended. Bring your
hand forward until it touches your other hand which is straight in
front. Only then do you pull with your other hand. Do not start
pulling your other hand when your hand is still in the air (which
most do). ONLY do so when they are together in front.
Also as in all strokes, do not blow out most of your air when your
head is immersed in water. Blow bubbles out slowly. With air in
your lungs, you will be more buoyant and more streamline. Only blow
whatever is comfortable out when your head breaks the water to take
in your next breath.
If you have any doubts, I hope I could be of assistance.
