The breaststroke is one of the most fundamental strokes for a beginner to learn and master. One key mantra to reiterate to yourself as you practice this stroke is ‘pull, breathe, kick, glide’. This stroke is unique in the sense that, your recovery step occurs under the water – making it a bit more harder to master as it causes drag and makes you slow. This is why it is most important to master this stroke.
This is part 2 of the guide. For part 1, please click here.
Insweep:
Bend your elbows and move your forearms down and back as you pull your hands together in front of your chest – this should look like a praying position.
This is an all-important phase of the breaststroke pull, as it serves as the power that pulls your body forward.
This is also the phase where you lift your head out of the water to take a breath.
Recovery:
Extend your arms forward just below the surface to enter the glide phase, and begin the cycle again.
Kicking Technique:
Start with your legs straight and together
Bend your knees so they point out to the sides while keeping your feet together – your feet should be coming in towards your torso.
Keep your knees in one position and desperate your feet to extend your legs straight out to a diagonal, in a ‘V’ shape, and then quickly squeeze your legs shut together to come back to the starting position.
This should be practiced till it is sharp and fluid.
Stay tuned for part 3, where we will discuss Breaststroke Turns and common mistakes made when performing the breaststroke.
Our tutors at Ducks2Sharks are experienced in teaching all sorts of swim positions to our students, so if you would love to learn, join our classes today in Berkshire!
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