Breaststroke Arms (skill)
Definition: The breaststroke arm action that starts in Position 11, bends the elbows and pulls backwards with the palms catching the water, sweeps the hands towards the chin as the head rises, squeezes the elbows to the torso, and drives the hands forward with an explosive kick to return to Position 11, then glides and repeats.
Core cues:
- Shoot back to Position 11
- Start in Position 11.
- Bend the elbows and pull backwards with the palms catching the water.
- Sweep the hands towards the chin as the head rises.
- Squeeze elbows to the torso, drive the hands forward with an explosive kick to return to Position 11.
- Glide and repeat.
Coach interpretation:
- Shoot back to Position 11: The swimmer returns to Position 11 to finish the arm cycle.
- Start in Position 11: The swimmer begins the arm action from Position 11.
- Bend the elbows and pull backwards with the palms catching the water: Watch that the elbows bend and the palms catch the water as the swimmer pulls backwards.
- Sweep the hands towards the chin as the head rises: Watch the hands sweep towards the chin in time with the head rising.
- Squeeze elbows to the torso, drive the hands forward with an explosive kick to return to Position 11: Watch the elbows squeeze to the torso and the hands drive forward together with an explosive kick back to Position 11.
- Glide and repeat: Watch the glide before repeating the action.
Teaching strategy:
Break the complex dance move that is breaststroke arms into small “chunks.” Teach the choreography, or the dance moves first without embellishing or adding flare. Start with Position 11 and Eat. Avoid talking about spreading pizza sauce or drawing a circle. Avoid big sweeping arm motions. Avoid chicken wings (where elbows dip).
Common errors and corrections:
- Spreading pizza sauce or drawing a circle: Avoid talking about spreading pizza sauce or drawing a circle.
- Big sweeping arm motions: Avoid big sweeping arm motions.
- Chicken wings (where elbows dip): Avoid chicken wings (where elbows dip).
Progression:
Comes after the Streamline and Kick Progression (SL + Flex, SL + Lift & Flex, Single kick with an exaggerated glide, SL + 1 BR K). Breaststroke Arms is taught choreography first, no breath.
Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “Start in Position 11.”, “Glide and repeat.”, “Position 11 and Eat.”