Question for experienced swimmers.?

Question

I'm 16 and I'm having troubles with my breaststroke. I can do kick sets really well but when it comes to doing the full stroke my legs don't engage like in a kick set and my arms fatigue at a faster rate.

I did have a very good stroke a few years back but then this happened and i went downhill. dropping only 2 1/2 seconds in 100 and 1 second in the 200 in 3ish years.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

keep on stroking

Answer 2

Your size and weight have likely changed in the last 3 years. Your body at 13 probably let you get away with some stroke flaws, but your body at 16 does not. Let go of the past, because you're not going to get that 13 year old body back.

(1) Are you doing your kick sets with a kickboard? If so, I would suggest foregoing the kickboard. It sounds like you are practicing kick with a body position that is not serving you in the full stroke.

(2) Ask your coach for some intense stroke critique. Now might be a good time to embark on a complete overhaul of your breaststroke.

[ If all else fails ]

(3) Don't be afraid to concentrate on a different stroke. You might have "grown out" of your breaststroke body and are now more suited for greater things in fly or back.  

Good luck!

Answer 3

I had trouble with the breaststroke when I was first learning to swim. I got really good by just sitting on the edge of the pool and doing the motion with my legs from the knee down. You might want to try that.