Breaststroke Arm Pull Technique

Breaststroke Arm Pull

• The breaststroke arm pull begins with the hands releasing water at the chin and recovering by pushing them forward until the arms are extended.
• Common errors include pulling too wide, dropping elbows too soon, pulling too far back, and incorrect breathing.
• Corrections include bending elbows 90 degrees, pointing hands down, reaching over the barrel, and keeping elbows forward until hands reach the chin.

Breaststroke (Leg and Arm Combination)

• The breaststroke is an ancient swimming stroke with roots in biblical times, and is recognized as one of the four strokes used in international swimming competition.
• It is defined precisely in the rule books and requires rhythmic breathing with the face submerged during the glide.
• Despite its precise definition, the breaststroke is easy and comfortable to swim, and adapts easily to a semi-vertical position.

Why is Breaststroke Important?

• Breaststroke requires very little energy because arms recover underwater and natural flotation keeps the swimmer afloat.
• It is a lifesaving factor when swimming long distances, and provides an alternative to the back position in choppy waves.
• It also provides the easiest method for keeping the head above water while in a prone position.

Breaststroke Coordination

• Common errors include losing coordination, rising head and body, head going underwater, and incorrect foot rotation.
• Corrections include thinking "pull, kick, glide," not "kick, pull, glide," and thrusting the chin forward to the surface without lifting the head.

Sidestroke (The Lifeguard Power Stroke)

• Sidestroke is recognized as the superior method and is the most powerful swimming stroke.
• It employs a scissors kick to supply the power and is used in lifesaving situations.
• The scissors kick is a type of swimming kick that uses a forward-back motion, similar to walking.

Leg Action

• Breaststroke kick involves 4 steps: starting in streamline, flexing the feet, pulling heels up to the side of the butt, and keeping knees relatively narrow.
• Breaststroke kick also involves 7 steps, which are not specified in the text.
• Scissors kick provides a longer glide and rest than any kick and is easy to learn because it uses the forward-back motion.

Arm Action

• The breaststroke arm pull is important because it provides the basis and support for the kick that follows.
• The pull should feel as if digging fingertips into the water ahead and using them to pull the body through between them.
• The entire pull is completed forward of the shoulders, and hands should never pull past shoulder level.