Breaststroke Turn Dilemma

In other words do the pull when you decelerate to below your (surface) swimming speed. Now that makes sense. I think the problem is knowing what that speed is. About the underwater pullout requirement. From my reading of the rules you shouldn't need to take one. However, you definitely do need to start with an arm pull. If you come to surface and kick first, or kick without pulling while underwater, you should be DQed.

I have also discussed the no pulldown with many officials from past Olympics, USS Nationals etc., and they all said they would disqualify someone for no pulldown. So you may get away with it once, but try it when it counts like nationals, and see what happens. I don't agree with this. As Kirk and Ian has said the key word is may. Granted, I am not certified to the level of the officials at national and international meets, but my interpetation of the rule is that for the first stroke after the start or turn, it doesn't matter if it is a full pulldown or a regular *** stroke as long as it is followed by a kick. 101.2. BREASTSTROKE 101.2.1—Start The forward start shall be used. 101.2.2—Stroke ....Throughout the race the stroke cycle must be one arm stroke and one leg kick in that order. ..... The hands shall not be brought back beyond the hip line, except during the first stroke after the start and each turn......... After the start and after each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to the legs.

I agree with Knelson. Look up the word “may” in any dictionary. In mine, it is defined as “…used to indicate possibility”, in other words, you have to option to do so, if you choose. If a pull down was mandatory then “must” or “shall”, would have been written in the rules. Those words are not used because that was not the intent of the rule. Unless the breaststroke-breakout rules are stated differently for the Olympic and USS, then those officials who would DQ you for not taking a pull down are wrong.

I think the word deceleration has to be thought in more of a counterintuitive manner. The term deceleration is in reference to your fastest swimming speed and when that speed is reached a pullout is necessary.

I have also discussed the no pulldown with many officials from past Olympics, USS Nationals etc., and they all said they would disqualify someone for no pulldown. So you may get away with it once, but try it when it counts like nationals, and see what happens. I honestly don't see how this position is tenable given the wording of the rule. It specifically states you may take one arm stroke back to the legs off the start and turns. Why would they use the word "may" if it was, in fact, required to do so?

Many have also experimented with no pulldown during breaststroke, and they tell me it can be faster. I have also discussed the no pulldown with many officials from past Olympics, USS Nationals etc., and they all said they would disqualify someone for no pulldown. So you may get away with it once, but try it when it counts like nationals, and see what happens. I routinely use no pulldown on the turns, especially at high altitude or in the 400 IM, where oxygen is at a premium. I don't know if it is faster but it certainly is more comfortable and leads to the resumption of better quality stroke sooner. That factor is more important to me than an extra yard or two (over the course of the race) under the water because there is no break or roughness in the swim cycle while I try to regain breath control. I have NEVER been disqualified and always swim BR at nationals. -- mel

Having published a few articles on breaststroke, including starts and turns, I sometimes get letters and emails from former swimmers. These breaststrokers include US short course college and USS record holders from the last 30 years. Many have commented on trying some of the ideas I put to paper. Many have mentioned not breathing during some very important races, usually at the end of the 100. Many have also experimented with no pulldown during breaststroke, and they tell me it can be faster. There is a common thread amoung many of the great breaststrokers I have met and talked with, and well as corresponded with. They have experimented with many different styles of pulls, kicks, turns and pulldowns, eventually arriving with what worked best for them. Many are beyond students of the stroke, they have their PhD's in breaststroke. I have also discussed the no pulldown with many officials from past Olympics, USS Nationals etc., and they all said they would disqualify someone for no pulldown. So you may get away with it once, but try it when it counts like nationals, and see what happens. I am always chummy with the officials, telling them what a great job they are doing, getting them a drink etc. In turn they talk to me about the rules. One year my shoulder hurt so bad I did not want to do a butterfly stroke during the 100 IM. So I asked, what if I dove in, dolphined for 14.5 yards, came up and continued dolphin kick on the surface. They said it was legal, so that is exactly what I did.