Swim Teaching Tips: Breaststroke

Mastering the Breaststroke: A Simple Guide for Learn-to-Swim Success

The breaststroke is one of the most recognized and foundational swimming strokes. It teaches rhythm, power, and the crucial skill of gliding through the water. At SwimEasy, we simplify this beautiful stroke into an easy-to-remember sequence designed for rapid learning and long-term retention.

Here is our proven method for teaching breaststroke, focusing on the essential elements of propulsion and efficiency.

The Breaststroke Mantra: Scull, Breathe, Push, Glide

The key to successful breaststroke is timing. The stroke is divided into two main parts: the recovery (arms and legs pulling in) and the power phase (the Push and the Glide). We teach our swimmers to follow four simple steps that create a strong, rhythmic flow:

1. Perfecting the Kick: “Flat Feet, Turn Out”

Before any full-stroke practice, the breaststroke kick must be mastered. This is where 70%+ of the stroke’s power comes from.

• The Position: Swimmers should practice bringing their heels towards their bottom. Crucially, their feet must be flat and turned out (like a frog), ready to push the water.
• The Action: The push is a powerful, circular whipping action. The feet sweep back and around, finishing with the legs straight and feet together.
• Teacher Tip: Start with flotation (a small kickboard in each hand) to isolate the kick and keep the head up so the swimmer can watch the instructor’s demonstration. Only move to full stroke once this “turned out” position is natural.

2. The Arm Action: Scull and Breathe

The arms perform a small, efficient movement that initiates the stroke and helps bring the body up for air.

• The Scull: From the streamlined glide position, the arms perform a small scull. They pull out and back, staying compact, no wider than the shoulders, before sweeping inwards to recover.
• The Breathe: As the arms finish the scull and sweep inward (often called the ‘heart shape’), the head comes up to Breathe. The timing is key: Breathe with the arms, not the kick.

3. The Power Phase: Push and Glide

This is the moment where the power is generated and translated into forward movement.

• The Push: The arm recovery and the kick happen simultaneously. As the arms Push forward into a streamlined position (thumbs locked together), the legs perform the powerful whipping action back. Head goes down into the water.
• The Glide (The Secret to Efficiency): This is the most critical part of the stroke. Once the arms and legs are fully extended in a streamlined position, the swimmer must hold the position and Glide for a count of at least 3 seconds (1000, 2000, 3000).
• Why Glide? Gliding allows the body to maintain momentum. Without it, the swimmer will stop moving forward between strokes, wasting energy and making the stroke feel choppy.

A Quick Look at the Cycle

The full stroke is a seamless sequence:

By emphasising the 3-second Glide, we ensure young swimmers learn rhythm and efficiency, transforming a choppy effort into a smooth, powerful movement across the water. Focus on technique, focus on the glide, and watch your swimmers master the breaststroke!