Improving Breaststroke for Maintaining Health
Constant stroke improvement is a key element of Swimfit. If you are following the Health programme then this article will help you get the most from your breaststroke technique.
Improving breaststroke for maintianing health
Each of the Swimfit programmes demands a different level of stroke technique. As a Health swimmer you probably don't want to get bogged down in too much stroke detail. So start by viewing the video below. It will help you get the most from your swimming.
Alternatively, you can find some of the key points from the video in bullet points below. If you feel you want more information on perfecting your stroke then visit the Fitness or Competitive strokes section of Swimfit. And remember, you can always Ask the Expert any questions you may have by clicking here to send an email.
Breaststroke is the oldest and slowest of the four major strokes. This is due to the propulsive phase of the arms being shorter. Propulsion from the arms and legs happens consecutively rather than at the same time. To start improving try to remember this four step guide to the basics of the stroke.
- Float on your front with your face in the water, stretching your body as long as possible. Keep your hands together.
- Keep your legs long and stretch your toes. Bend your knees slowly and bring your feet towards the bottom. Bend at the ankles to point your feet outwards then kick back and slightly downwards and snap your feet together.
- Keep your head in the water and stretch your arms out in front. Turn your hands so that the thumbs point down with both hands pressing out and round. Turn your hands so the thumbs point up and draw the hands together in a small circular action in front of the shoulders.
- Lift your head to breathe in as the arms start to come together, stretch your arms out and return your head to the water to breathe out. Breath every stroke: “Pull, Breathe, Kick, Glide”.
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