Name
Challenge – Elite: Do 4 Breaststroke Kicks on Your Back
One-Liner
Perform 4 breaststroke kicks on your back where your knees never touch the surface, but your belly must stay at the surface.
Success Criteria
Complete 4 breaststroke kicks on your back with your belly button above the water and your knees fully submerged (never breaking the surface).
Failure Criteria
Fail if your knees break the surface, your belly sinks below the surface, or you cannot complete 4 consecutive kicks.
Core Skill
Balance and body control – specifically, maintaining a curved back position while keeping the belly high and knees low.
Who
Elite swimmers or advanced swimmers who already have a strong breaststroke kick and good body awareness.
What
This challenge requires swimmers to do 4 breaststroke kicks on their back while keeping their belly button at the surface and their knees completely underwater. It is extremely difficult, even for elite swimmers, because it demands precise balance and a backward body curve.
How
- Start on your back in a streamlined position.
- Initiate a breaststroke kick, keeping your knees bent and underwater.
- Focus on lifting your belly button toward the surface – your belly must stay above water.
- Perform 4 consecutive kicks without letting your knees break the surface.
- Repeat until you can complete all 4 kicks cleanly.
Difficulties Instructors Might Face
Swimmers will likely fail repeatedly before they understand the need to balance and curve their bodies backward. Be liberal with your “fails” when any part of the challenge is violated – this reinforces the precision required. Watch for swimmers arching their back too much or lifting their knees, which breaks the rules.