Breaststroke swimming with noodles under the armpit
Using noodles for breaststroke swimming under the armpits can be a helpful technique for beginners or those learning to swim. The noodles provide buoyancy and support, helping swimmers maintain proper body position and focus on mastering the arm and leg movements of the breaststroke.
Here’s how you can incorporate noodles under the armpits while practicing breaststroke swimming:
Get the Right Size Noodles:
Choose noodles that are long enough to comfortably fit under your armpits while still providing buoyancy and support.
Body Positioning:
Hold one end of each noodle under each armpit, ensuring they are snug but not too tight. Your body should be positioned horizontally in the water, with your face looking down and your body in a streamlined position.
Arm Movements:
With the noodles supporting your upper body, focus on practicing the arm movements of the breaststroke. This involves bringing your arms forward and out in a circular motion, then bringing them back together underwater in front of your chest.
Breathing:
Coordinate your breathing with your arm movements. Take a breath as your arms come together in front of your chest, and exhale as you extend your arms forward.
Leg Movements:
While your arms are working on the breaststroke technique, use your legs to perform the frog kick. Bend your knees and bring your heels towards your buttocks, then quickly extend your legs outward and slightly apart in a kicking motion, similar to a frog’s kick.
Practice Drills:
Use the noodles to practice specific drills for breaststroke, such as focusing on arm movements only or leg movements only. This can help you isolate and improve each component of the stroke.
Gradual Progression:
As you become more comfortable with the breaststroke technique using noodles under your armpits, gradually reduce your reliance on the noodles. Start by using them for support only during specific drills, then eventually try swimming breaststroke without them.
Remember to always practice swimming with safety in mind, especially if you’re a beginner or learning a new stroke. It’s also helpful to seek guidance from a certified swimming instructor to ensure you’re using proper technique and getting the most out of your practice sessions.