I can't seem to get a straight answer to a couple of basic breaststroke questions, despite checking dozens of sources.
What would be a typical, normal stroke rate (strokes per minute) for a novice breaststroker who's just interested in getting to the other end of the pool, not racing, to aim for? Novice level, please, NOT some world record race pace.
Also, I read a lot about "driving" or "moving" one's hips forward during the stroke. Is that the same motion and using the same muscles as doing a stomach crunch (although upside-down), or is it something else? Why is it done, in which part of the stroke is it done, and when is it undone? Which variants (flat, wave, recreational) is it for?
Alan
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Former Member
Regarding driving the hips forward: I found this at www.goswim.tv/.../breaststroke-101.html : "Drawing the hips forward means keeping the legs together and extended as you initiate the insweep part of your pull. If you keep the legs extended as you initiate the insweep, you should get the feeling that you're pulling your hips forward. It means that you're waiting till the last moment to separate the legs, bend the knees, and get your legs ready to deliver the kick."
"You should get the feeling"? So it's an illusion, hips aren't actually going forward?
Alan
Regarding driving the hips forward: I found this at www.goswim.tv/.../breaststroke-101.html : "Drawing the hips forward means keeping the legs together and extended as you initiate the insweep part of your pull. If you keep the legs extended as you initiate the insweep, you should get the feeling that you're pulling your hips forward. It means that you're waiting till the last moment to separate the legs, bend the knees, and get your legs ready to deliver the kick."
"You should get the feeling"? So it's an illusion, hips aren't actually going forward?
Alan
