Breaststroke kick with breath while holding the poolside

 

Performing the breaststroke kick while holding onto the poolside can be a helpful drill for beginners or those looking to focus on refining their kick technique.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Grip the Poolside:

Stand in shallow water and hold onto the poolside with both hands. Ensure a comfortable and secure grip.

Body Position:

Keep your body in a horizontal position, facing the pool wall.

Leg Movement:

Practice the breaststroke kick motion with your legs. Start with your legs together and toes pointed. As you bend your knees, bring your heels towards your buttocks.

Outward Kick:

Once your knees are bent, open your knees outward in a circular motion. The outward movement is also accompanied by a slight outward rotation of your feet.

Inward Glide:

Following the outward kick, bring your heels back together in a streamlined position. This part of the kick involves a more streamlined, inward motion.

Breathing:

While holding onto the poolside, practice your breathing pattern. In breaststroke, you typically take a breath during the outward phase of the kick and exhale as you bring your legs back together.

Coordination:

Focus on coordinating the arm movements with the kick. In breaststroke, the arms perform a simultaneous, circular motion while the legs execute the kick.

Repetition:

Repeat the breaststroke kick while holding onto the poolside to build muscle memory and improve your technique.

Gradual Release:

As you become more comfortable and confident with the kick, try releasing one hand at a time from the poolside while maintaining the kick. Eventually, work towards swimming without holding onto the poolside.

Pay Attention to Technique:

Throughout the drill, pay attention to keeping a streamlined body position, proper leg movement, and coordinated arm actions.

Remember to take it at your own pace, and focus on the quality of your movements. Once you feel confident with the breaststroke kick while holding onto the poolside, try incorporating it into full breaststroke swimming without support.