How To Swim Breaststroke | Technique For Breaststroke Swimming

Summary

In this video, the breaststroke swimming technique is broken down step by step, emphasizing the importance of coordination and timing. The tutorial covers the three key phases of the arm movement—catch, pull, and recovery—as well as how to breathe effectively. It also explains the breaststroke kick, offering tips on achieving a strong and fluid motion. The video encourages swimmers to practice patience and suggests drills, like using fins and kickboards, to isolate and improve specific techniques. Overall, it aims to help viewers master breaststroke for a more efficient swim.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breaststroke requires coordination and technique, but once mastered, it can be a fluid and efficient stroke.
• 😀 It can be a great alternative to freestyle in your training sessions.
• 😀 To begin breaststroke, maintain a flat body position, keeping your head and hips aligned in the water.
• 😀 The arm movement consists of three steps: the catch, the pull, and the recovery.
• 😀 In the catch phase, extend your arms out and sweep them outward while keeping your elbows high to catch as much water as possible.
• 😀 The pull phase involves accelerating your arms backward while maintaining a grip on the water, then sweeping your hands inward in front of your body.
• 😀 The recovery phase requires extending your arms forward with elbows tucked in and as close together as possible.
• 😀 A useful drill to isolate arm movement is swimming breaststroke with a butterfly dolphin kick, and wearing fins helps establish a rhythm.
• 😀 Breathing is crucial in breaststroke, with inhalation happening during the pull phase and exhalation occurring when your arms recover.
• 😀 The breaststroke kick should be performed by flexing your feet and pushing the water backward with the soles of your feet, then completing the recovery phase by bringing your heels back towards your bottom.
• 😀 Using a kickboard can help you focus on perfecting the kick without worrying about arm coordination.

Q & A

What are the three main steps in the arm movement for breaststroke?

The three main steps in the arm movement for breaststroke are the catch, the pull, and the recovery.

How should the arms be positioned at the start of the catch phase?

At the start of the catch phase, extend your arms out in front of you with your hands pitched outwards slightly. Keep your elbows high while sweeping your arms outwards.

What is meant by 'scooping your hands around a large bowl' during the pull phase?

The action of scooping your hands around a large bowl refers to the movement where your arms accelerate backward, continuing to catch the water, and then sweep inwards in front of your body.

Why is it important to keep your elbows high during the catch phase?

Keeping your elbows high during the catch phase ensures that your forearms stay in the correct position to effectively catch and hold as much water as possible, improving propulsion.

When should you breathe while swimming breaststroke?

You should breathe when your arms start the pull phase. As your arms begin to pull, the natural movement of the stroke will lift your body, allowing your head to rise above the water for breathing.

What is the recommended technique for the breaststroke kick?

Start with your heels close to your bottom, flex your feet, and then extend your legs outwards and backward, pushing the water with the soles of your feet. At the end of the kick, straighten your legs, point your toes, and bring your heels back towards your bottom during the recovery phase.

Why should you aim to keep your head and shoulders relaxed while swimming breaststroke?

Keeping your head and shoulders relaxed helps reduce tension and promotes a more fluid and efficient swimming motion. It also ensures that your breathing is smoother and more controlled.

How can wearing fins help when practicing breaststroke?

Wearing fins can help you find a good rhythm while swimming breaststroke, especially when focusing on the arms. The fins assist with propulsion and make it easier to practice the stroke without worrying about leg technique.

What is the benefit of swimming breaststroke with a butterfly dolphin kick?

Swimming breaststroke with a butterfly dolphin kick isolates and focuses on the arm technique while allowing you to maintain proper rhythm. It also helps to build strength and coordination for both strokes.

What advice is given for practicing the breaststroke kick without focusing on arm movements?

To focus on the breaststroke kick, you can use a kickboard to isolate your legs and practice the technique without worrying about the timing with your arms.