Improve 500m Breaststroke?

Question

Right now I have a barely trained 9:05 500m breaststroke. What specific technique bits should I make sure I'm doing to cut the time down?

Answer 1

I have never been in a 500m breastroke event before however my coach often makes us do 400m breastroke.  I would say speedy on-top of water recovery (always), fast kick (in a whipping motion) and practice your turns. I'm good at breastroke but never have I swum a 500m before, anyway, 500m is quite a distance (for breastroke)  so I'd also suggest starting off a bit slow, however your recovery must still be fast, by slow I mean having a bit of a glide at the end of your recovery (first 100m) then on your second you increase your speed a bit and just keep going faster every 100m, at the last 100m you must make sure you absolutely sprint it (enspecially the last 50m, swim like you're being chased by the one thing you fear the most, make sure your arms and legs are moving continuously, fast recovery, take quick short breaths).

That's about it, I hope you make a best time!

Answer 2

wow...i have never heard of a 500 meter breaststroke....100 m are tough enough for me.....

but i would say focus on your turn and streamlining and stuff like that....and then in the middle of your stroke during the glide make sure you get a good stretch...

Answer 3

Try fast turns and the underwater keyhole (Keyhole is the underwater breastroke pull you do after you push off from turning every 50m. That's what I'm used to calling it.).

And also try drinking gatorade or any energy drink you'd prefer. And don't tire yourself after the first lap. That wouldn't be smart. And just go all out on the last lap.

I'm not sure if gliding would be good. But it's 500m so I guess it is. Not sure though. And maybe consult your coach to correct your strokes if they maybe need some work.

Good Luck. :)