OK, I am relatively new to serious swimming - just over a year. I recently started to really focus on my pullout for breaststroke. Prior to that I would just push off, and pop to the surface as part of my first stroke. No real pullout. Now that I am doing a pullout, I have a problem.
I push off the wall and am going fast. As I slow down, I do my keyhole shaped pull and go faster again. So far so good. Then, as I try to bring my hands up and my legs up to do my underwater kick - trouble. I slow down to the point of almost stopping.:confused: Then I do my underwater kick, followed by a regular pull, popping up to breathe.
What are some common mistakes that newbies make during the pullout that would cause this near stopping. I feel like it is costing me a good two seconds on each turn. I know none of you have seen me swim, but if I get some general things to look for, I can hopefully improve. Thanks.
Parents
Former Member
as the above post says, it may be in the timing of your kick - sounds like you have a dead spot between pull and kick. Try thinking of pulling your heels/legs up for the kick sooner. Turn your feet out at the last moment before kicking so you don't drag yourself down.
Also think about keeping your hands underneath and close to your body on recovery to reduce drag.
How about your head position - is it too far down? If so, you will be too deep in the water for your first pull after the pull out - another potential dead spot.
Reply
Former Member
as the above post says, it may be in the timing of your kick - sounds like you have a dead spot between pull and kick. Try thinking of pulling your heels/legs up for the kick sooner. Turn your feet out at the last moment before kicking so you don't drag yourself down.
Also think about keeping your hands underneath and close to your body on recovery to reduce drag.
How about your head position - is it too far down? If so, you will be too deep in the water for your first pull after the pull out - another potential dead spot.
