I could use some advice from experienced breaststrokers on the proper pull technique. I have a naturally good breaststroke kick, which probably makes up 90% of my propulsion at this point. I know that breaststroke is the stroke with the most potential for me, but I seem unable to get the right feel for the pull. Every once in a while I have one of those really smooth swims where I can feel myself riding the wave, but I cannot recreate that at will.
I've tried the hand paddles drill where I swim BR with the paddles on backwards so they are not attached to my hands at all. I can keep the paddles on pretty easily. I think I'm using the right basic technique, at least based on all the descriptions I've been able to find. Yet when I swim ***, my coach says that my arms look "stiff", like I'm not turning them in enough.
I would like to understand what the proper pull should look like and feel like, before I start increasing my yardage and intensity.
TIA
Former Member
It's interesting. I worked quite a bit on breaststroke technique back in the day as it was one of my main events. Looking at these videos, they look nothing like the technique I was taught in terms of the arm pull.
I was always taught to keep my hands much closer together basically inline with my shoulders. Elbows would be out at around a 90 degree bend. The reasoning was that there was less recovery time and effort on the push if you keep more compact.
These videos show the hands going way out to the sides and generating a very short pull with a lot of recovery effort.
I'm not sure I under stand the question,but the things that will likely get you DQd are:
taking a dolphin kick before the pull on the pullout(though this isn't called as often as it should be)
head not breaking the surface before the insweep on the pullout breakout(and they will generally give you the benefit of the doubt if it's close)
head not breaking the surface each stroke
taking 2 pulls in a row(sometimes happens to people who misjudge the wall)
not having your feet externally rotated on the kick
not touching with 2 hand simutaneously.
At least these are the common things.
I don't believe my hands go out that far. Its more of a sculling motion. I'll have to work more on the "Y" hand/arm position. Thanx!
What are the common "illegal" motions of the *** stroke?
I'm not a breaststroker...but I have this link saved for some of the kids.
Pictures are helpful. www.breaststroke.info/grotebreast.htm
Hey QS that's one of the best pieces I've seen on breaststroke.
Clear points and backed up with good photos.:applaud:
Is this from a site that may have pieces on the other strokes?
NB: You mention backstroke is one of your favourites do you have any good links for backstroke?
Best wishes
I was just watching a video of Hansen posted in another thread, and I noticed it was very obvious he was ending the recovery with his palms turned up. I know that most of the best breaststrokers do this, but I don't understand the rationale for it. Why is turning the palms up good? What happens between the catch and the end of the stroke that results in upturned palms?
To me whenever I do it I feel like I'm missing some of the propulsive part of the pull. It just doesn't feel like I'm getting the most out of the arm stroke. I know that must be wrong.. obviously it's good to turn up your palms, if that's what Hansen is doing. But why?
Hey! Is there a link to the Hansen video I could watch?
It was always taught by the great breaststroke coaches that it released tention in the forearms.
Brendan Hansen on goswim open the video link www.goswim.tv/productreviews_reviews.php
