How to Kick During Breaststroke

The breaststroke is arguably among the more challenging and exhausting of the basic swimming strokes. However, it provides an immense work out to many leg and arm muscles in the body. Swimming in general is an absolutely wonderful way to exercise and stay in shape, so when you learn the best method of kicking for breaststroke, you're on your way to better health.

Instructions

    • 1

      The best way to master the breaststroke kick is to engage in different exercises that will assure that you are not breaking the rules. The breaststroke kick is done by pulling your legs to your rear, turning the foot outward and away from the body and then straightening out the leg. It sounds easy, but it takes time and concentration to master.

    • 2

      Start out on land. Lie on your stomach and raise one of your feet to your rear, turn your foot outward and straighten out your leg. This is your basic breaststroke kick being done on land. Practice with both legs, doing one leg at a time, at least 20 times per leg. Once this is completed, you are ready to enter the water.

    • 3

      When first entering the water, do several lengths (laps) just kicking at your leisure. Do not worry about speed or how many kicks per breath. Instead focus on the kick and make sure that it is being done correctly. If you are having difficulty, consider getting out of the water and doing several more sets of kicks on land.

    • 4

      Once you feel comfortable in the water and feel that your kick is legal and efficient, it is time to begin more intense drills. Before more intense drills are began it is important to make absolutely sure that your breaststroke kick is being done correctly. Some kicks that are not legal in the breaststroke are scissor kicks, flutter, butterfly kicks and freestyle kicks. Make sure no mistakes are being made.

    • 5

      To assure your kick is sufficient, one more water drill should be performed. Lie on your back in the water and do the breast stroke kick. Do your knees break the surface of the water? The goal of this exercise is to be able to bring your feet to your rear with letting the knees break the water surface. This exercise will help perfect your kick. Practice on your back until you can comfortably kick without having your knees break the surface. This could take some time.

    • 6

      Now begin doing lengths across the pool doing two breaststroke kicks underwater and then one breaststroke kick with a breath. This will allow you to feel the rhythm and motion of your breaststroke kicking. Do not use your arms for this drill. After several lengths you may switch and do one breath with every kick. This will be exactly what it is like when you use your arms and are doing a complete breaststroke.

    • 7

      Your breaststroke kick is now ready for routine practice. Add in your arms and begin practicing breaststroke regularly. Do at least 20 lengths a day or more if comfortable. If needed, repeat several of the above drills if you feel that your breaststroke needs practice or maintenance.