Breaststroke Arms for Kids: Mechanics, Drills, and Common Mistakes

How to Teach Breaststroke Arms to Kids?

Teaching breaststroke arms to children involves breaking down the complex movement into simple, manageable steps, focusing on proper mechanics like the outsweep, insweep, and recovery, while emphasizing fun, patience, and consistent practice.

Introduction to Breaststroke Arm Mechanics

The breaststroke, often described as the "frog stroke," is unique among the four competitive swimming strokes for its simultaneous and symmetrical arm and leg movements. The arm action, specifically, is a powerful driver of propulsion and crucial for the stroke's characteristic glide phase. For children, understanding and executing this coordinated movement correctly is fundamental not only for efficiency and speed but also for developing a strong foundation in swimming biomechanics. The arm pull, often visualized as a "keyhole" or "heart shape," consists of an initial outward sweep, a powerful inward scull, and a streamlined recovery.

Foundational Principles for Teaching Kids

Effective instruction for children requires an approach that balances technical accuracy with engagement and understanding.

• Patience and Positive Reinforcement: Learning new motor skills takes time. Celebrate small victories and maintain an encouraging environment. Frustration can hinder progress.
• Break Down Complexities: The entire breaststroke arm action can be overwhelming. Isolate each phase (out, in, recover, glide) and teach it individually before combining.
• Visual and Kinesthetic Learning: Children learn best by seeing, doing, and feeling. Demonstrate the movement clearly, guide their limbs, and use descriptive language.
• Fun and Engagement: Incorporate games, imaginative play (e.g., "froggy arms," "keyhole shape"), and positive reinforcement to keep lessons enjoyable and memorable.
• Safety First: Always ensure adequate supervision in and around water.

Step-by-Step Guide: The Breaststroke Arm Pull (The "Pull")

The breaststroke arm action can be dissected into four main phases: the catch/out-sweep, the insweep/propulsive phase, the recovery, and the glide.

Step 1: The "Y" or "Glide" Position (Start)

• Action: Begin with arms fully extended forward, hands together or slightly apart, fingers pointed towards the end of the pool. The body should be in a streamlined, horizontal position.
• Teaching Point: Emphasize making a "long, straight line" with their body and arms, like a "pencil" or an arrow.

Step 2: The "Outsweep" (Sculling Out)

• Action: From the glide position, hands sweep outward and slightly downward, wider than shoulder-width apart, with palms facing outwards. The elbows should remain relatively high, not dropping towards the bottom of the pool. This is the "catch" phase, where the swimmer "grabs" the water.
• Teaching Point: Imagine pushing water out to the sides, like opening a door. Keep elbows "up" or "high." The hands should move no further back than the shoulders.

Step 3: The "Insweep" (Catch/Pull)

• Action: From the outsweep, the hands turn inward, and the forearms and hands powerfully sweep inward and slightly downward, pulling water towards the chest. Elbows continue to stay high, driving the hands inward until they meet or nearly meet under the chest, typically around the sternum or chin level. This is the main propulsive phase.
• Teaching Point: Think of "hugging a big tree" or "drawing a heart shape" with their hands. This is where they push the water back. Ensure the hands come together under the body, not out in front.

Step 4: The "Recovery" (Glide Preparation)

• Action: From the point where the hands meet under the chest, the hands are quickly brought forward to the starting "Y" or glide position. The hands should be pushed forward, streamlining the body for the next stroke. This phase is about minimizing resistance and preparing for the next powerful pull.
• Teaching Point: After the "hug," quickly "shoot" the hands forward like a "rocket" or "arrow" to become long and straight again. This is where they rest and glide.

Common Drills for Teaching Breaststroke Arms

Drills help isolate and perfect specific components of the stroke.

Dryland Drills (Land-Based Practice)

• "Heart Shape" or "Keyhole" Drill: Have the child stand up straight. Guide them through the full arm motion, emphasizing the outward sweep, the inward pull, and the forward recovery, visualizing the "heart" or "keyhole" shape their hands make.
• "Out-Sweep, In-Sweep, Glide" Drill: Break down the dryland drill further. Call out each phase and have them perform it slowly and deliberately.
• Wall Practice: Have the child stand facing a wall, a short distance away, mimicking the arm pull. The wall provides a tactile cue to stop the pull at the correct depth (not past the shoulders) and to push forward for recovery.

In-Water Drills (Assisted Practice)

• Kickboard/Noodle Support: Provide a kickboard or noodle for the child to hold with their legs (or under their armpits) to keep them afloat, allowing them to focus solely on the arm action without worrying about kicking or balance.
• Shallow Water Walks: In waist-deep water, have the child walk and practice the arm pull, focusing on the "out, in, forward" sequence. The water provides resistance, and they can easily stand up if needed.
• "Hand-to-Hand" Drill: Emphasize the recovery. After the insweep, have the child touch their hands together firmly under their chest before pushing them forward for the glide. This helps ensure a complete pull and a proper recovery point.
• "Pull Buoy" Drill: For slightly more advanced kids, a pull buoy between the legs can isolate the upper body, allowing them to focus on arm mechanics and propulsion.

Addressing Common Challenges and Mistakes

• Elbow Drop: Kids often drop their elbows during the outsweep, reducing the effective surface area for propulsion.
  • Correction: Emphasize "high elbows" or "elbows point to the side." Use visual cues like "imagine your elbows are glued to a high shelf."
• Over-Pulling: Pulling the hands too far back past the shoulders or chest. This reduces efficiency and adds drag.
  • Correction: Reinforce the "heart shape" or "keyhole" ending under the chest. "Don't pull past your belly button."
• Lack of Glide: Rushing the recovery or not fully extending the arms forward.
  • Correction: "Be a long pencil!" "Stretch far like you're reaching for something." Count to "one Mississippi" during the glide phase.
• Rushing the Recovery: Bringing hands forward too quickly or sloppily.
  • Correction: "Smooth and slow recovery, then fast pull." "Push the water forward gently."
• Incorrect Hand Position: Flat hands or cupped hands that are too aggressive.
  • Correction: Teach a slightly cupped hand, fingers together, like a "scoop" or "paddle."

Progression and Integration

Once the arm action is somewhat consistent, begin to integrate it with other elements of the stroke.

• Combine with Kicking (Simplified): Initially, have them perform the arm pull with a simple flutter kick, then introduce the breaststroke kick. The arm pull should initiate the kick.
• Breathing Integration: Teach breathing during the insweep phase, lifting the head just enough to clear the water, and returning the face to the water during the recovery/glide.
• Full Stroke Practice: Gradually combine all elements, focusing on timing and coordination. Emphasize the "pull-kick-glide" rhythm.
• Consistency is Key: Regular, shorter practice sessions are often more effective for children than infrequent, long ones.

Conclusion

Teaching breaststroke arms to children is a rewarding process that builds foundational swimming skills and confidence. By breaking down the movement into its core components, employing child-friendly drills, and maintaining a patient, positive, and fun learning environment, instructors can effectively guide young swimmers toward mastering this elegant and powerful stroke. Remember that consistency, clear communication, and a focus on proper biomechanics from the outset will set children up for long-term swimming success.