Learn to Swim | Intermediate LESSON 3 - Breaststroke
Breaststroke is a marvel, in that it is the only stroke that is seemingly performed without effort, as swimmers glide gracefully through the water often without a splash and yet at incredible speeds. Fun fact, breaststroke is the favorite stroke of the CEO Adam Di Fulvio!
In the MISWay, basic breaststroke is introduced the moment swimmers demonstrate that they can swim by themselves across the pool (sometimes even sooner). When teaching basic breaststroke, it is important to teach the body positioning, and leg and arm movements separately, and then progressively combine them to develop the full stroke.
The legs and arms are introduced using basic 3-step progressions for each: for example for arms, kinesthetic arm movements while lying on the side of the pool followed by swimming with arms only with a pullbuoy, etc. Then combine arms and legs and start getting those reps in!
When complete, the swimmer should be able to swim at least 2 lengths without stopping with simultaneous and basic breaststroke arm & leg movements, with one kick being executed for each pull of the arms. Note that proper breathing technique (simultaneous breathing while pulling), while encouraged, is not a requirement at the Intermediate Swimmer level.
By focusing on basic movements (core techniques) swimmers get in the much-needed repetitions to establish familiarity and good swimming habits at younger ages. The basic movements will later be perfected and tuned for speed, power and competitive swimming in our Advanced Swimmer Program.
The same core techniques should be consistently reinforced throughout, like doing a proper whip kick and recovering the hands at the chest. Alternate your teaching methods (visual, verbal, mirroring, kinesthetic) and look to see where your swimmer responds best. Remember to focus on basic technical corrections, and above all encouragement and motivation!
*Remember there is no substitute for having a professional swim instructor teach you, and to exercise water safety at all times when following these videos. Swim safely, everyone!
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