Breaststroke Swimming

The Basics of Breaststroke Swimming

Breast Stroke

Swimming has various styles that use distinctive arm strokes and kicks to move in the water. Among all, breaststroke swimming is one of the most popular swim styles. Beginners might find any swim style difficult initially, but with consistency and practice, you can become a breaststroker. Joining a Swimming Academy Singapore can also help you educate yourself about the basics of breaststroke swimming. Let’s further discuss all breaststroke swim styles to understand their fundamentals and technique application.

Benefits Breaststroke Swimming

Breaststroke swim style is easier for beginners that can help build up pace and stamina for more complex types. It does not consume energy fast and can be used for a longer swim. This swimming stroke mainly depends on powerful kicks, strengthening your leg and core muscles. Also, you can burn approximately 200 calories through 30 minutes of breaststroke swim.

Fundamentals of Breaststroke Swimming

Breaststroke swimming is also known as froggy stroke. It is comparatively easier as compared to other styles. It does not require a lot of specific techniques. Breaststroke swimming is recommended for beginners as it provides greater stability in water. Although you might find your swim speed a bit slow, it can be improved over time. Let’s take a look at some fundamentals to mastering breaststroke swim style.

Positioning is Crucial

Breast stroke is easier and more casual. It allows you to swim with your head above the water. If your body posture is inaccurate, you might find difficulty learning breaststroke swimming. To start the swimming style, keep your body as flat as possible, especially from your head to your hips. Lie facing downwards in the water.

ARM Strokes

The breast stroke style includes three phases of arm strokes – Catch, pull, and recover. For the first phase, extend your arms forward and sweep to catch water as much as possible. Your palms should face down and press down and out simultaneously.

The second phase is the pull, where you will accelerate your arms backward, inwards, and outwards as if you are scooping your hands in a large bowl.

The last phase of this arm stroke is the recovery phase. Keep your arms as close as possible and extend forward for recovery.

When and How to Breath

Breathing control is crucial in swimming. Although breathing is a natural phenomenon, we don’t think about how to breathe. But in swimming, it is essential to focus on when to inhale and exhale to avoid difficulty. Your muscles need oxygen for comfortable and efficient swimming. You must lift your head over the water and inhale through your mouth during your pull phase. When you extend your arms for the recovery phase, breathe out through your nose or mouth in the water. Try to keep your shoulders relaxed to enjoy the swimming style.

Kicking Technique

Kicking in breaststroke swimming is often considered to be difficult. Your swim trainer at HydroSplash Swimming Academy Singapore will guide you in developing a strong kick to propel in the water.

You can begin by bringing your heels closer to the bottom as much as possible. Extend your legs, creating pressure to push the water back and help you move forward. You must coordinate your kick with the recovery phase of your arm stroke. Lack of coordination can lead to a failed attempt at breaststroke swimming.

Common Mistakes in Breaststroke Swimming

Here is a list of mistakes commonly observed in breaststroke swim style.

Do not lift your head too much during your stroke. If you raise your head more than required, you might develop chances of drowning. Also, if you remain in the position for longer, you can have strained neck muscles afterward.
It is commonly considered that if you spread your legs wider, you will create a powerful kick. It will eventually consume greater energy and will not make a greater push either.
If you keep your elbows lower, you can lose body balance during the stroke. Keep them higher to avoid loss of balance.
Your arm stroke and kick should be in coordination. If you miss the rhythm, you lose the stroke.

Conclusion

Breast stroke swimming is recommended for beginners. It is simpler in technique application helping the swimmer focus on improving stability and endurance in the water. Although it is easier, it requires the right action for effectiveness and swimming comfort. Learning through private swimming lessons in HydroSplash Swimming Academy Singapore can help you master the style correctly, avoiding commonly observed mistakes in the stroke type.