1. Body Positioning:
To start swimming breaststroke, it is essential to establish the correct body position in the water. Your body should be parallel to the surface, with your head facing forward and slightly down. Your shoulders should be relaxed, and your hips should be near the water’s surface. Keeping your body horizontal will make it easier to glide through the water with minimal resistance.
2. Head and Arm Movements:
The breaststroke begins with a simultaneous glide and arm extension. As your body glides forward, your arms should extend forward and be shoulder-width apart. Your palms should be facing outwards with your fingers slightly spread apart. At the same time, your head can be lifted out of the water for inhalation. Ensure that the arm movements are slow and smooth to minimize water resistance.
3. The Pull and Catch:
Once your arms are fully extended, bend your elbows and bring your hands close to your chest, making a heart shape with your arms. This movement is known as the pull or catch phase. As your hands reach the center position near your chest, start pushing the water back and outward while keeping your elbows high. Remember to maintain a relaxed and controlled motion throughout the pull.
4. The Kick:
As your arms complete the pull, it is time to focus on the crucial breaststroke kick. Start by bending your knees and bringing your heels towards your buttocks. While keeping your knees close together, explosively extend your legs and whip them outward. Your feet should be flexed, and your toes should be pointing away from your body. This powerful leg movement generates the propulsion needed to move you through the water.
5. The Glide:
Once your legs have completed the kick, it’s time to glide. During this phase, your body will be in a streamlined position, and you will experience a brief moment of weightlessness. Stretch your body forward and extend your arms in front of you, forming a narrow arrow shape. Take this opportunity to catch your breath and prepare for the next stroke.
6. Breathing:
Breathing during the breaststroke is different from other swimming strokes. Most swimmers take a breath as their head rises above the water during the arm extension phase. In contrast, some swimmers prefer the “snorkel method,” in which they keep their head submerged throughout the stroke, only lifting it at the gliding position to take a breath.
7. Putting It All Together:
To swim breaststroke effectively, it is important to practice the coordination of all the elements mentioned above. Start by focusing on the individual movements, such as the arm pull or leg kick. Once you feel comfortable with each component, gradually combine them into a smooth and continuous motion. Remember to maintain a relaxed and rhythmic tempo throughout the stroke.
Learning how to swim breaststroke requires patience, practice, and proper technique. As with any new skill, it is essential to start slowly and gradually increase your speed and efficiency. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to master; swimming is a lifelong journey that can provide countless physical and mental benefits. So, take the plunge, enjoy the process, and embrace the joy of swimming breaststroke!