Why do i swim faster with breaststroke instead of freestyle?

Question

I'm not new to swimming, so i know the basics. I swam freestyle for years. I usually swim freestyle when i workout (occasionally with breaststroke), cause i thought freestyle is supposedly faster and more energy-efficient.

When i raced with someone in the pool, i found out that i have trouble keeping up with him using freestyle. He's using freestyle too. However, when i switched to breaststroke, i was faster than him by a substantial length.

When swimming breaststroke, i feel that i am faster and my timing decreased.

I was wondering if my body is more suited and inclined to breaststroke instead of freestyle.

Answer 1

Freestyle should be a lot faster than breatstoke.  Maybe you are doing it wrong.  Is your breast stroke time actually faster than your freestyle time.  Also how fast is your opponent at freestyle?  Usually it will be impossible to win in breast stroke against a freestyler...unless there is an age difference.  Is there an age difference?  you may need to add additional info to your question.

Answer 2

i was like that too : ] it's just how some people are built.

Answer 3

While it is possible that you are a more natural breaststroker, the greater probability is that you're doing something wrong as you swim freestyle.  Sight unseen its hard to give you an exact answer, but I'd guess that it has to do mainly with breathing.  Based on the way you posed your question I'm assuming your not on a team.  If I'm wrong, then ask your coach to work on your free, and if I'm right, then join a team to help improve your swimming.

Answer 4

maybe... b/c same with me, i prefer freestyle regarding speed, but i noticed that breaststroke is actually more relaxing - maybe that's why it can be faster at times.

Answer 5

breaststroke is your strong stroke

im the same way

breaststroke is my best stroke and thats where i get all my first place ribbions

probilly same with you.  

Just go with what your good at

free style builds more musscle but when you race swim breast cause you much better at it

Answer 6

cause you suck at freestyle