Breaststroke Swimming Technique for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Swimming is an excellent way to stay fit, healthy, and active. Not only is it a low-impact exercise, but it also helps to improve cardiovascular health, build endurance, and strengthen muscles. One of the most popular swimming styles is the breaststroke, which is a great choice for beginners as it is easy to learn and is relatively gentle on the body.

In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to swim breaststroke. We will cover the basic breaststroke technique, tips for beginners, and common mistakes to avoid.

Step 1: Getting Started

Before you begin swimming, it’s essential to make sure you’re comfortable in the water. If you’re new to swimming, it’s a good idea to start in the shallow end of the pool and gradually work your way towards the deeper end. Begin by standing in the water and getting used to the feel of the water around you. Once you’re comfortable, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Body Position

The breaststroke requires a specific body position to be effective. Begin by floating on your stomach with your arms extended in front of you. Your legs should be straight and your toes pointed. Your head should be down, and your face should be in the water. Take a deep breath and hold it.

Step 3: Arm Movement

To begin the breaststroke, you will need to pull your arms towards your chest in a circular motion. Bend your elbows and bring your hands towards your chest, keeping your fingers together. As your hands reach your chest, push them out in front of you, making a circular motion with your arms. Repeat this movement, coordinating it with your breathing.

Step 4: Leg Movement

Once you’ve mastered the arm movement, it’s time to add in the leg movement. From the position described in step two, bend your knees and bring your feet towards your buttocks. Then, extend your legs out behind you, keeping them close together. As you extend your legs, bring your arms back towards your chest, and push them out in front of you.

Step 5: Coordination

The key to the breaststroke is coordination between the arm and leg movements. As you extend your legs, push your arms out in front of you. As you bring your legs back towards your buttocks, bring your arms back towards your chest. Remember to breathe in as you pull your arms towards your chest and breathe out as you push them away.

Image Jon Hoefer | Pixabay

Tips for Beginners

Learning a new swimming technique can be challenging, but with practice, you’ll soon be swimming like a pro. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Start in the shallow end of the pool and gradually work your way towards the deeper end.
Take your time and don’t rush. Practice each step until you feel comfortable before moving on to the next one.
Focus on your breathing. Remember to take a deep breath and hold it before starting the stroke, and breathe out as you push your arms away.
Keep your movements slow and controlled. Avoid thrashing around in the water, as this will use up a lot of energy and won’t help you swim efficiently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lifting your head too high. Keep your head down and your face in the water to maintain good body position.
Kicking too hard. The breaststroke is a gentle swimming style, so avoid kicking too hard, which can cause unnecessary strain on your muscles.
Forgetting to breathe. Remember to take a deep breath before starting the stroke and breathe out as you push your arms away.
Flapping your arms. Keep your movements slow and controlled, focusing on the coordination between your arm and leg movements.

Breaststroke is a great swimming style for beginners as it’s easy to learn and gentle on the body. By following these steps and tips, you’ll soon be swimming breaststroke with confidence and ease. Remember to take your time, focus on your breathing, and keep your movements slow and controlled. With practice, you’ll be able to swim breaststroke effortlessly, enjoying all the benefits that swimming has to offer.

In conclusion, swimming is a fantastic exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. The breaststroke is a popular swimming style that’s easy to learn and perfect for beginners. By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to master the breaststroke swimming technique in no time. So grab your swimsuit, head to the pool, and start swimming!

Guest article

The above may not coincide with the methodology and opinion of the SwimRight Academy Team.