Breaststroke kick without breath while holding the poolside

 

Performing the breaststroke kick while holding the poolside in a horizontal position can be a useful drill to focus on the leg movements and improve your technique.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do the breaststroke kick while holding the poolside:

Body Position:

Hold onto the poolside with both hands, keeping your body in a horizontal position. Your body should be parallel to the water’s surface, with your face in the water.

Leg Position:

Start with your legs extended straight behind you. Keep your toes pointed.

Initiate the Kick:

Bend your knees slightly and bring your heels up toward your buttocks. Rotate your knees outward, so your feet turn outward, forming a frog-like position.

Outward Scull:

As your knees rotate outward, simultaneously press your feet outward and slightly downward. This is the outward sculling phase of the breaststroke kick.

Inward Recovery:

After completing the outward scull, bring your feet back together in a streamlined position. Your feet should point backward, and your legs should be fully extended.

Repeat the Cycle:

Continue the cycle by bending your knees, rotating them outward, and initiating the outward scull again.

Coordinate with Arm Movements (Optional):

While practicing the breaststroke kick, you can also coordinate it with the arm movements. In breaststroke, the arms move in a circular motion, pulling the water towards you and pushing it backward.

Focus on Technique:

Pay attention to the fluidity and coordination of your leg movements. Ensure that your kick is powerful and propels you forward.

Breathing:

Since you’re holding onto the poolside, you can focus on breath control separately. Take a breath when needed, either lifting your head slightly or turning it to the side.

Repetition:

Repeat the breaststroke kick while holding the poolside for several laps or until you feel comfortable with the movements.

This drill helps isolate the leg movements of the breaststroke kick and allows you to concentrate on improving your technique without worrying about the arm movements. As you become more confident, you can gradually incorporate the full breaststroke stroke, including the arm movements, while maintaining a horizontal position in the water.