How To Swim Breaststroke | Technique For Breaststroke Swimming
Breaststroke is a popular swimming stroke that is commonly used in competitive swimming, as well as in recreational swimming. It is a relatively slow stroke, but it can be efficient and comfortable when done correctly. In this article, we will go over the basics of breaststroke and provide tips on how to swim this stroke efficiently.
The Basics of Breaststroke
Breaststroke is a stroke that involves alternating arm and leg movements, with a glide in between. The arms are used to propel the body forward while the legs provide the main source of propulsion. Here are the basic steps to swimming breaststroke:
Positioning: Start by positioning your body face down in the water with your arms extended in front of you. Your legs should be extended behind you, and your feet should be pointed.
Arm Movement: Begin the arm movement by bringing your arms in towards your chest, keeping your elbows bent and your forearms parallel to the water surface. As your arms reach your chest, extend them forward again.
Breathing: As your arms are extending forward, take a breath by turning your head to the side. Keep your face in the water as much as possible to reduce drag.
Leg Movement: While your arms are extending forward, pull your legs in towards your body by bending your knees. Then, kick your legs out and back, keeping them close together and your toes pointed. As you kick your legs out, bring your arms back to your chest.
Glide: After your legs have kicked out, glide through the water with your arms and legs extended. This will allow you to maintain your momentum and prepare for the next cycle of arm and leg movements.
Tips for Efficient Breaststroke Swimming
Now that we have gone over the basics of breaststroke, let’s look at some tips that can help you swim this stroke efficiently.
Streamline Body Positioning: To reduce drag and increase your speed, keep your body as streamlined as possible. Stretch your body out as much as you can, and keep your head in line with your spine.
Keep Your Head Low: Keeping your head low in the water will help reduce drag and keep your body in a more streamlined position.
Keep Your Arms Close to Your Body: Keeping your arms close to your body will reduce drag and increase your speed. Avoid making big, sweeping movements with your arms.
Kick from the Hips: To get the most out of your leg movements, kick from your hips. Keep your legs straight and close together as you kick, and avoid bending your knees.
Time Your Breathing: Breathing during the arm extension phase will help you maintain a steady rhythm and prevent fatigue. Experiment with different breathing patterns to find what works best for you.
Practice Drills: Practicing drills can help you improve your technique and become more efficient in the water. Some drills you can try include the breaststroke pull, breaststroke kick with a board, and one-arm breaststroke.
In conclusion, breaststroke is a great swimming stroke that can be efficient and comfortable when done correctly. By practicing the basics and following these tips, you can swim breaststroke efficiently and enjoyably. Remember to focus on your body positioning, arm movement, breathing, leg movement, and practice drills to improve your technique. Happy swimming!