Breaststroke

By Shawn P. Ford
3/10/2023

Breaststroke is a popular swimming stroke that requires good technique and form to swim efficiently. It is a great full-body workout that can improve your cardiovascular health and muscle tone. In this blog post, we will discuss the perfect breaststroke technique.

  1. Body Position: The first step to swimming breaststroke is to assume the correct body position. Start by lying flat on your stomach in the water with your arms extended forward. Keep your legs close together and your toes pointed. Your head should be in line with your spine, and your face should be submerged in the water.

  2. Arm Stroke: The arm stroke is the primary propulsive movement in breaststroke. It starts with your hands in front of your head and your elbows bent. Pull your hands down to the sides of your body, keeping your elbows close to your ribs. Once your hands reach your hips, begin to push them back towards the front of your body. As you do this, lift your head and take a breath.

  3. Leg Kick: The leg kick is an essential part of breaststroke and should be done simultaneously with the arm stroke. As your hands move back towards the front of your body, pull your heels towards your buttocks, bending your knees. Once your hands have moved past your shoulders, straighten your legs and push them outwards in a circular motion. Your feet should be flexed, and your legs should remain close together throughout the kick.

  4. Glide: After completing the leg kick, it is important to glide before starting the next stroke. Hold your arms and legs in the extended position and glide through the water for a moment before starting the arm stroke and leg kick again.

  5. Breathing: Breathing is an important part of breaststroke and should be timed correctly. Take a breath as your arms reach your hips and your head is lifted out of the water. Exhale slowly as you glide and prepare for the next stroke.

  6. Timing: Timing is crucial in breaststroke, and it is essential to coordinate the arm stroke and leg kick to swim efficiently. The arm stroke and leg kick should be done simultaneously, with the arms propelling you forward and the legs providing balance and stability.

In conclusion, breaststroke is a popular swimming stroke that requires good technique and form to swim efficiently. The perfect breaststroke technique involves assuming the correct body position, performing the arm stroke and leg kick simultaneously, gliding between strokes, and timing your breathing correctly. With practice, you can master this stroke and improve your swimming abilities. So, get out there and start practicing the perfect breaststroke technique!