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
Ever since a velocity evaluation in 2010 I have been working on a narrower pull that doesn't emphasize the outsweep.The study showed I slowed down at the initiation of the outsweep.I now have my thumbs very nearly level with the rest of my hands,trying to get into a position very much like EVF except the hands are a little outside of the elbows.The action is much more pullback than outsweep/insweep.I think I am faster with less effort this way.I still have some insweep at the transition from pull to recovery and recover with my hands touching to be more needle like to help "ride the glide.
Ever since a velocity evaluation in 2010 I have been working on a narrower pull that doesn't emphasize the outsweep.The study showed I slowed down at the initiation of the outsweep.I now have my thumbs very nearly level with the rest of my hands,trying to get into a position very much like EVF except the hands are a little outside of the elbows.The action is much more pullback than outsweep/insweep.I think I am faster with less effort this way.I still have some insweep at the transition from pull to recovery and recover with my hands touching to be more needle like to help "ride the glide.
