Breaststroke Pull Mechanics

To teach the breaststroke pull, begin and finish always in the glide or streamline position. There are two scull actions and three components to the breaststroke pull. Upper scull - palms facing outwards, the hands move outwards and slightly upwards. The palms face the direction of travel (just wider than the shoulderline). Insweep - palms scull down leading the elbows, around and inwards. Recovery - pressure is released from the hands, and the arms drive forward.

Pull, Breathing Timing Drill
Image: Heart shape
Feel: Pressure is felt on the hands and forearms

Use a flotation device such as a pullbuoy to isolate the pull. Face in the water and body streamlined.

The arms go through the heart shape pattern: face in, stretch, pull, breathe, face in and stretch (glide 1, 2, 3 count).

As the palms face inwards to finish the heart-shaped pattern close to the body, the shoulders are pushed up and the face clears the water. The swimmer breathes, the hands drive forward, the face re-enters and the swimmer stretches into the streamline position. Repeat the pattern.

Have the swimmer repeat correctly for 10 pulling strokes and then build up to 1 length of the pool, and so on as long as the pulling pattern does not deviate from the pattern.

Note: the swimmer's arms will get tired from this drill so be careful not to push the distance too far! Good habits are important in learning to swim correctly.