Beginner's Guide to the Breaststroke

The breaststroke is a great swimming stroke for beginners. Many swimmers prefer the breaststroke over other swimming strokes. Get expert tips and advice in this swimming video.

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Preferred stroke of many swimmers
Head can stay out of water
Used in competition & rescue scenarios
Comprised of 4 steps

About this Author

Phillip Toriello has 16 years of competitive swimming experience. 12 of those years he has been teaching and organizing swim events for swimmers of all levels and ages. He is has competed in all four strokes, and their corresponding events. Though his favorite race, is the individual medley. Phillip is the Aquatic Director at the high end Avila Bay Athletic Club.

PHILIP TORIELLO: My name is Philip Toriello and this is the beginner's guide to breaststroke. Due to the freedom of breathing, breaststroke is one of the most preferred strokes amongst recreational swimmers. It allows the head to stay above the water while doing a nice, easy frog kick motion and a sweeping motion with the arms. You can dip your head slightly into the water whenever you wish once you become more comfortable with breaststroke. Breaststroke in general is also known as a competitive swim stroke and one of the slowest. Breaststroke is also a technique used by lifesaving individuals during spinal injuries and/or active victim responses. It allows the head to stay above the water so you can keep an eye on your victim while approaching them slowly and smoothly without causing any sort of shifting or serious movement in the water and as a result, causing further damage to the victim. The breaststroke is comprised of four simple steps, the pull, breathe, kick, bend, move in, and glide. To get started with breaststroke, just ask your local swim instructor and or swim coach to give you a few tips and pointers as far as the leg motion, the arm motion, the breathing pattern and putting the whole package together to perform the breaststroke.

Beginner's Guide to the Breaststroke Video

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