How to Teach the Breast Stroke

Swimming is a competitive sport that uses a variety of strokes that vary in difficulty and technique. These different strokes are often separated into different competitive categories in both amateur competitions and even in the Olympics. Many swimmers often learn these strokes at a young age, which can make learning slightly more difficult. If you are interested in teaching someone the breast stroke, you can do so by following a few easy-to-learn steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Swimming pool
  • Kickboard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start on the pool deck. Because most novice swimmers are nervous and lack technique, it is best to teach them in an environment that is safe and that they feel comfortable in. The first part of the breast stroke you should teach is the kick. To start out, have your swimmers lie facedown on the pool deck with their legs fully extended, knees and ankles together and toes pointed straight. Next, have them bend their knees and bring their heels straight back to their buttocks and turn their toes out to the sides. Then, keeping their heels at the same width as their hips, have them kick straight back and finish with their toes pointed straight.

    • 2

      Practice the kick on the pool edge. Once your students feel comfortable with the pool deck kick exercises you can move them into the water by keeping them on the pool edge. Have your swimmers sit on the edge of the pool deck with their heels and legs together and against the pool wall. Then have them turn their feet outward so they make a "V" shape. Keeping their heels together, have them move their heels in the "V" shape along the wall. Next, have the swimmers whip their feet so they are then outstretched in front of them and with their toes pointed out. Then, return their heels to the wall.

    • 3

      Practice the breast stroke kick in the water. Place your swimmers in water that they can comfortably stand in, and then have them hold the side of the pool. Have then extend their bodies out into the water with their knees and feet together. Have them bring their heels toward their buttocks, then turn their heels out while keeping them at hip width. Next, have them kick backward while keeping their heels close to the surface of the water.

    • 4

      Practice the kick in the water. Have your swimmers float in the water while practicing their breast stroke kick using a kickboard.

    • 5

      Practice the breast stroke arm stroke. Have your swimmers stand on dry land, bent at the waist with their arms extended. Have them flex their wrists and point their fingers down. Next, have them begin the stroke by pressing their arms downward and outward. As their arms move back, have them bend their elbows. Then, your swimmers should push their arms and hands back toward their shoulders and bring them together above their head with them pointing straight out.

    • 6

      Practice the arm stroke with a kickboard. Place a kickboard under the feet of your swimmers so they can comfortably float in the water. Then, with their arms pointing straight out in front of them, have them push their arms downward and outward and back toward the shoulders. Then finish by bringing their hands together straight out in front.

    • 7

      Practice the arm stroke and kick together. Have your swimmers get in the water without a kickboard. Then have them lie flat. They should start the downward motion of the arm stroke. While starting the arm stroke they should bring their chin above the water to catch a breath. As they bring their hands back out in front of them, they should then preform the kick motions. Have them practice until this becomes one fluid motion.