By far the most complex stroke to teach. There are no short cuts, bar those shown below. This is the first stroke where we demand “ASA Legal” stroke technique.
Swimmers will learn perfect breaststroke through high quality repetitive practices. Legs first, then the arm action before combining to complete the full stroke. Use assistants to increase repetition of perfect practice.
Watch the breaststroke video:
Fast Warm Up 3 minutes
Main Theme see below 17 minutes
Contrast 6 minutes
Playtime 4 minutes
After checking backstroke and front crawl in waves, the swimmers now attempt full stroke breaststroke one at a time. This moment of correct assessment is crucial.
If it is ASA Legal, then consider if they are ready to progress to the next level.
If not, use two woggles- one in the hands and one under armpits. Face down, one kick then breathe. Can they do three correct kicks?
Now make a decision which practice they need: legs, arms or timing.
All swimmers sit on the side & watch a demonstration using an assistant.
Tell the arms group to look at the arm action, leg group look at the feet.
Teaching the arms and breathing
The words we use to describe breaststroke are
“Kick, glide, blow bubbles, breathe“
Don’t forget to give out the homework
Is the stroke Still not right?
Extra tips for improving full stroke and corrective drills
To progress from this group, swimmers will be able to push dive unaided, show legal breaststroke and have achieved Penguin 5, Seal 1-2 and Otter Diving 3. As part of those awards, a tumble turn and swimming through a hoop on the bottom of the deep shows they are ready for butterfly.
Teaching plan, Shirley Swimming Pool 2024 Copyright West End Swim School Ltd