So you’ve decided to master the breaststroke. Excellent choice – the breaststroke is one of the most graceful and efficient swimming strokes. However, if you’re like most recreational swimmers, you’re probably making some common mistakes that are holding you back from swimming breaststroke with ease and power. The good news is, with a few simple technique adjustments, you’ll be gliding through the water in no time. Learn the five most common breaststroke mistakes and how to fix them.

Follow these swimming lessons and you’ll stop struggling, build endurance, and move efficiently through the water. Before you know it, you’ll be swimming breaststroke with confidence and style. Ready to transform your breaststroke and become a stronger swimmer? Let’s dive in.

Common Mistakes When Swimming Breaststroke

Avoiding common mistakes is key to mastering the breast stroke. Here are five slip-ups to steer clear of:

Wrong Arm Position

A lot of beginners struggle with the arm position for it. Your arms should remain underwater and push out to the sides, not forward. As you extend your arms out, your hands should remain below your elbows. Don’t lift your arms out of the water or reach forward.

No Glide

The breaststroke relies on a glide after each stroke to conserve momentum. But many swimmers start stroking too quickly, failing to glide and thus tiring themselves out. After each arm stroke and kick, glide briefly before starting the next stroke.

Improper Leg Kick

The legs should kick in unison behind you, like a dolphin tail. Bend your knees, push your heels towards your butt and kick out. Do not overbend at the waist or kick wildly. A narrow, concentrated leg kick will maximise propulsion.

Not Streamlining

To swim breast stroke efficiently, you need to streamline your body. Keep your head, torso and legs aligned as you glide through the water. Don’t let your lower body sag or lift your head too high. Remain as horizontal as possible.

Rushing the Stroke

Slow down your breaststroke. Many swimmers rush through the arm and leg actions, reducing power and efficiency. Take your time to fully extend your arms, glide, bend your knees and kick strongly. Then glide again before starting the next stroke. Focus on quality, not quantity.

With practice, these common mistakes can be corrected. Be patient and keep at it – you’ll get the breaststroke down in no time. Or, you could sign up for our lessons for professional guidance to correct your swim strokes. Connect with us for a free consultation on your needs!