Breaststroke | Full Technique
On this page, we show you how to learn the breaststroke swimming technique correctly – step by step. This includes preparatory exercises to help you get started, as well as the most common mistakes to avoid. This way, you will build a solid foundation for effective and smooth breaststroke swimming.
Preparation Exercises
Alternating Breaststroke Arm Pull and Kick
The child pushes off from the pool wall and glides with extended arms. Then, it performs a breaststroke arm pull with breathing while keeping the legs straight. This is followed by the breaststroke kick until the child returns to the stretched position. The sequence then repeats. This exercise promotes proper coordination and prevents children from starting the kick while breathing.
Breaststroke Arm Pull Dryland Exercise
The breaststroke arm pull should first be practiced on land. Imagine a cauldron at chest height. Extend your arms as if your hands are touching the far edge. Then, move your fingertips synchronously along the cauldron towards your body. The elbows should slightly move outward but remain as stationary as possible. The palms should always face backward. Once the hands meet near the chest, quickly extend them forward again. Hold this position for at least two seconds before starting the next arm pull.
as few strokes as possible
The child swims breaststroke and tries to cover 15 meters with a maximum of ten strokes. A powerful kick and a long glide phase are crucial for this. Many children immediately start the next stroke because their kick is still too weak, preventing them from gliding effectively. However, practicing the glide phase consciously is essential for developing clean technique in the long run.
Häufige Fehler
Incorrect Arm/Leg Coordination
One of the most common mistakes seen in children is incorrect coordination of the arm pull, leg kick, and breathing. Instead of starting the breaststroke with arms extended forward, they keep their arms behind them. This also results in the absence of a glide phase. Preparatory exercises help prevent this mistake.
No Glide Phase
Even with correct coordination, many children still skip an extended glide phase. Their arms move apart as soon as they are stretched forward. This prevents them from fully utilizing the propulsion from their legs, as they immediately increase water resistance again.
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