Breaststroke pull imitation on land

 

Imitating the breaststroke pull on land can help you work on the muscle memory and technique of the movement before getting into the water.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to imitate the breaststroke pull on land:

Standing Position:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight and your core engaged.

Arm Movement:

Start with your arms extended straight in front of you, parallel to the ground. Mimic the initial part of the breaststroke pull by separating your hands shoulder-width apart. Bend your elbows slightly, keeping your hands at chest level.

Outward Sweep:

Simulate the outward sweep by moving your hands apart in a circular motion, palms facing outward. Focus on a wide, sweeping motion to the sides, similar to opening a book.

Downward Movement:

As your hands reach shoulder width apart, begin the downward movement. Bring your hands downward and inward, palms facing backward.

Inward Sweep:

Simulate the inward sweep by bringing your hands close together in front of your chest. Keep your elbows slightly bent throughout the movement.

Recovery Phase:

Extend your arms forward again, mimicking the recovery phase. Straighten your arms and bring them back to the starting position.

Breathing:

Coordinate your breath with the arm movements. Inhale during the outward sweep and downward movement. Exhale during the inward sweep and recovery phase.

Repetition:

Repeat the sequence several times to reinforce the muscle memory and fluidity of the breaststroke pull.

Remember to maintain good posture, engage your core muscles, and focus on smooth, controlled movements. While this exercise helps with the arm movements, it doesn’t replicate the leg kick or the full body coordination involved in actual breaststroke swimming. It’s a useful land-based drill to enhance your understanding of the pull phase before transitioning to the water.