Breaststroke kick while sitting on the edge of the pool
Idea of the drill
The best exercise for young swimmers to explain how to move your legs in breaststroke.
At the first lesson, children come to the edge of the pool and sit on the edge of the pool, placing their hands behind their hips. In this position, the child will be relaxed (will not be afraid of water) and you as a coach has to be sure that the child will not fall forward into the water.
Performing the breaststroke kick while sitting on the edge of the pool is a great way to practice and perfect the technique.
Here’s how you can do it:
Sit on the Edge:
Sit on the edge of the pool with your legs in the water. Make sure you’re sitting comfortably with your back straight and hands supporting you on either side.
Leg Position:
Start with your legs together and straight out in front of you.
Heels to Buttocks:
Bring your heels up towards your buttocks by bending your knees. Your knees should be slightly apart.
Turn Feet Outward:
Once your heels are close to your buttocks, turn your feet outward so your toes point away from each other. Your feet should form a “V” shape.
Kick Out and Around:
Kick your legs out and around in a circular motion. Your legs should push outwards, then come back together. Imagine drawing a big circle with your feet. Your legs should remain mostly at the surface of the water.
Snap Together:
Finish the kick by snapping your legs straight and bringing them back together.
Repeat:
Practice this motion repeatedly, ensuring that each part of the kick is performed smoothly and with control.
Engage Core Muscles:
Keep your core muscles engaged to maintain stability and improve the effectiveness of your kick.
Tips:
Focus on keeping the movement smooth and controlled.
Ensure your feet are flexed properly and turned out during the kick.
Practice the timing and rhythm to ensure a strong, consistent kick.
This exercise helps build muscle memory and strength for the breaststroke kick. Once you are comfortable with the motion on land, you can transfer these skills to the water.