Breaststroke Week Tips

Thanks to Brian Olver for the following tips for breaststroke week. He's included a few clips to watch, so copy and paste them into an open window in your browser and enjoy.

Welcome to breaststroke week! While doing breaststroke this week, here are a few tips and clips to help you improve your stroke.

I'd like to first point out that breaststroke is much different than the long axis strokes we just finished working on, and because of that, I personally do not think there is only one "right" way to swim breast. You'll see in the following clips there are various and dramatically different styles of breaststroke even among the world's elite. However, upon inspection,
you will notice that there are many similarities as well.



1) Kitajima underwater. This is probably the best video footage you can find on breaststroke. Notice that his kick is fairly narrow and very quick. And, at the end of every stroke he immediately returns to a
full streamlined position. These two factors allow Kitajima to get more distance per stroke than any other male breaststroker in the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lYWPKVl-Bo

2) Another underwater clip - slow motion:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtww6M4Dghs

3) This clip of Megan Jendricks and Agnes Kovacs underwater really allows us to see two distinct styles of breaststoke. Jendricks, on the far side, illustrates a fairly traditional technique always moving forward, while Kovacs, on the near side, opts to dive downward leading with her hands and following it through with her entire body. But, notice how quickly both of their arms recover and push back forward, thereby reducing the amount of time they are stuck in the "vertical" position, which causes the most drag.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbFhrDb9ulc

4) Leisel Jones is the current world record holder in the 200 breast, but her stroke is totally unconventional. She manages to power through the water utilizing her strong legs. Her head stays low to the water, and she slowly lowers herself back into
the water (like Jaws). But, it clearly works for her. You will also notice the water that shoots up in front of her face on every breath - this is because she squeezes her elbows and forearms together very quickly to propel herself forward. (3 min., 14 sec.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26WXA2b_Wo4

5) And finally, Brendan Hansen is the world record holder in both the 100 and 200 breast for men. His breaststroke is TEXT BOOK. His hips remain level and all of his energy is used to drive him forward. On his recovery, his shoulders are shrugged tight to lessen the resistence as he moves through the water. Combined with his powerful legs and amazing endurance,
he really can't stop him. (I love this clip.) (5 min., 44 sec.)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLuGCo0nSg8

I hope this helps everyone! See you in the pool.

--Brian Olver