Moving Backwards Swimming Breaststroke

by Jeffrey
(ramona ca)

I have a problem moving backwards swimming breaststroke and need your help. When I do breaststroke I go backwards instead of forwards or just stay in one place. I need to lean this before this weekend for boy scout merit badge. Can you help me please?

Jeffrey, this is a very common problem with breaststrokers and you are not alone.

Your problem most probably is with the timing of your arm action and leg kick, assuming you are able to perform them correctly of course. Breaststroke is the most inefficient swimming stroke due to the very wide arm and leg actions.

The propulsion for breaststroke comes mainly from the powerful whip action of the circular leg kick. The arms provide a small amount of propulsion and balance and the momentum is maintained in the glide where the arms and legs are together.

A powerful leg kick is crucial to generating some movement and maintaining momentum.

A common mistake is made when swimmers pull with the arms and kick with the legs at the same time. If this happens then you will go nowhere and sometimes even travel backwards.

The timing sequence for breaststroke is ‘pull, breathe, kick, glide’. Forget the breathing part for a moment. The crucial point here is to pull THEN kick. Only then will you give your body a chance to move through the water with some efficiency.

If you get the timing right and your leg kick is powerful enough, you can then glide momentarily before you pull again. Swimming breaststroke will become easy and effortless.

You can download our eBook 'The Complete Guide to Swimming Breaststroke' instantly and it contains 20 separate exercises that focus on all aspects of the technique including the leg kick and the timing. The exercises are very clear and easy to follow and you can print them out, take them to the pool and try them out. Click the link below for more information.

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