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Breaststrokes anyone? (Page 4)
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 2015-07-29 10:27 AM in reply to: mike761 |
Master  4118   Toronto Bronze member |  Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone?And to Mike's point above - there is a lot to be said for learning to relax a bit into the stroke. It may sound weird but in learning I was so tense and it was only in practice where I really started to feel the glide and know i had a enough time to get breath that my body relaxed and suddenly i could do laps. Before that I would just struggle to get from one side to another in complete panic. But as above, you need to know the parts, you need to practice enough and it should come together. I definitely come from a place where I understand the frustration of learning - i learned as a complete newbie to swimming in 2008 - it does take A LOT of time. I am still not a fast swimmer but I get it done. I swim with a coached group and have done all the distances of tri from try a tri right up to ironman. Front crawl is definitely my preferred stroke and breast is something I only do when the coach makes us as part of a set ...
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| 2015-07-29 10:41 AM in reply to: mike761 |
1731   Denver, Colorado | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by mike761 Originally posted by marysia83 Front crawl should be broken down a taught in pieces bubbles floating kick kick and breathing arms full stroke most people are not taught properly and spend years trying to get it right. If you spent 5 days a week for a month trying and couldn't do it you were not taught correctly or you did not listen to your teacher. You have to learn and get proficient at each piece before putting the stroke together. Once the stroke is put together it just clicks for most people- if they have gone through the proper procession. The main difference between kids learning to swim and adults learning to swim is that kids will listen to their teachers. I believe I listened to her. It actually looked "kind of" good when I was "in class", but when I was doing it by myself everything was ruined. Apparently breathing is my problem, as I get panicked and I just stop. Then I start again, and after few strokes - I panic again, and I stop again. If you were doing ok in class and fell apart on your own. What should you do? Answer- Spend more time in class before attempting it on your own. You had a time line and went off on your own before getting proficient and building the muscle memory of how to do it properly. My suggestion would be to start taking lessons again, with no time line; Just learn That's the plan  |
| 2015-07-29 10:49 AM in reply to: Left Brain |
Champion 9407 Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by Left Brain Triathlon swimming aside, and maybe to Shane's point, the competitive swimmers that I get to spend time around all say that the breaststroke is the hardest to get competitive in. There are stroke issues, kick issues, and most importantly, timing issues, that take years to get good at. For some of them, the kick is REALLY hard to master.....it's not like the kick in any other stroke. Breaststroke for triathlon and breaststroke for competitive swimming really can't even be talked about in the same discussion. They are COMPLETELY different animals. True however my main point is that, barring a shoulder injury that prevents proper ROM, there is no good reason for a triathlete to avoid learning front crawl. That should be the go to and the other strokes should be used in training (for fitness, better feel for the water, recovery, variety, etc) and only be a fall back in racing (except fly). Breaststroke can be great for sighting, to clear a mouthful of water, a bit of recovery, etc when in clear water. Back can be great if you need to fix your goggles, for going around buoys or for a quick check of the field. Shane |
| 2015-07-29 10:55 AM in reply to: gsmacleod |
Pro 15655 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? I agree, Shane. |
| 2015-07-29 11:28 AM in reply to: Goggles Pizzano |
| 216 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. |
| 2015-07-29 11:32 AM in reply to: gary p |
Pro 15655 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by gary p Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. Define competence |
| 2015-07-29 12:08 PM in reply to: Left Brain |
| 631 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by Left Brain Originally posted by gary p Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. Define competence I think that is where a lot of people talking past each other. Since we are using the term "breast stoke" I define it a legal stroke according to USA swimming. But for tris that doesn't really matter, a breast stroke with a scissor kick will work. But since words have meanings I would not call that "breast stoke". So when we discuss how hard the stoke is or isn't (or competency) in my mind I am using the proper stroke as reference. Breast stroke arms with a flutter kick might be helpful for the OP. |
| 2015-07-29 12:57 PM in reply to: Left Brain |
Champion 7036 Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by Left Brain Originally posted by mike761 Originally posted by marysia83 I signed up to this forum after the classes and some trainings, and I do not have those included in my log. And I don't think I was including warm-ups and drills, only the laps in proper form. I was practicing front crawl (or at least trying) for 5 days a week for about a month, in addition to the classes, and I just couldn't get it. It gave me so much frustration I decided I would focus on breaststroke and try to learn front crawl for next year (during fall and winter), and maybe try individual lessons. The instructor was not a master, as far as I know. And I think my inability to learn crawl came from my head - I was mostly focused on how much time I have left to the race day and how little progress I was making. I guess this is where the frustration was coming from. And I truly believe if I give myself few months during winter to learn in easy and relaxing pace, I may be in a better shape. Thanks again for your feedback and looking up at the log, I truly appreciate it. Front crawl should be broken down a taught in pieces bubbles floating kick kick and breathing arms full stroke most people are not taught properly and spend years trying to get it right. If you spent 5 days a week for a month trying and couldn't do it you were not taught correctly or you did not listen to your teacher. You have to learn and get proficient at each piece before putting the stroke together. Once the stroke is put together it just clicks for most people- if they have gone through the proper procession. The main difference between kids learning to swim and adults learning to swim is that kids will listen to their teachers. ^^^ Hard truth Was part of an interesting discussion with Sheila Taormina and Coach Ira Klein a couple of weeks ago talking about the differences in coaching youth and masters teams. They agreed that kids and adults definitely need to be approached differently. Klein thinks that one of the reasons that Sheila has been successful with her clinics and seminars is that she knows how to speak "adult". In their view adult master swimmers tend to be much more analytical and questioning about what they're being told, and respond much differently to praise and criticism, whereas the kids generally just do what they're told. I've had Sheila (politely) get in my face at practice asking me "Are you just here to swim, or do you want to learn something?" Point taken. Mark |
| 2015-07-29 1:24 PM in reply to: Left Brain |
| 1300 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by Left Brain Originally posted by gary p Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. Define competence In the swimming world, being fast... In the tri world, surviving the swim. |
| 2015-07-29 1:27 PM in reply to: TriCDA |
| 1502 Katy, Texas | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? I am amazed at how this got to four pages. It seems pretty straight forward to me. Learn front crawl. Saying breast stroke is *easier* than crawl is like saying riding a beach cruiser is *easier* than a tri bike. Which is true; typically the time spent on a beach cruiser is easier than time spent on a tri bike. So are you going to ride a beach cruiser for a triathlon? |
| 2015-07-29 1:32 PM in reply to: 3mar |
Pro 15655 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by 3mar I am amazed at how this got to four pages. It seems pretty straight forward to me. Learn front crawl. Saying breast stroke is *easier* than crawl is like saying riding a beach cruiser is *easier* than a tri bike. Which is true; typically the time spent on a beach cruiser is easier than time spent on a tri bike. So are you going to ride a beach cruiser for a triathlon? Can I fit a cooler on it? |
| 2015-07-29 1:36 PM in reply to: 3mar |
| 928 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by 3mar I am amazed at how this got to four pages. It seems pretty straight forward to me. Learn front crawl. Saying breast stroke is *easier* than crawl is like saying riding a beach cruiser is *easier* than a tri bike. Which is true; typically the time spent on a beach cruiser is easier than time spent on a tri bike. So are you going to ride a beach cruiser for a triathlon? Great analogy! Yes, learn front crawl. |
| 2015-07-29 1:42 PM in reply to: Left Brain |
| 1502 Katy, Texas | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by Left Brain Originally posted by 3mar I am amazed at how this got to four pages. It seems pretty straight forward to me. Learn front crawl. Saying breast stroke is *easier* than crawl is like saying riding a beach cruiser is *easier* than a tri bike. Which is true; typically the time spent on a beach cruiser is easier than time spent on a tri bike. So are you going to ride a beach cruiser for a triathlon? Can I fit a cooler on it? If you're riding around on a beach cruiser with a cooler it better have beer in it. If it has beer in it, you better find me after the race. |
| 2015-07-29 2:57 PM in reply to: RedCorvette |
| 30 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by RedCorvette Originally posted by Left Brain Originally posted by mike761 The main difference between kids learning to swim and adults learning to swim is that kids will listen to their teachers. ^^^ Hard truth Was part of an interesting discussion with Sheila Taormina and Coach Ira Klein a couple of weeks ago talking about the differences in coaching youth and masters teams. They agreed that kids and adults definitely need to be approached differently. Klein thinks that one of the reasons that Sheila has been successful with her clinics and seminars is that she knows how to speak "adult". In their view adult master swimmers tend to be much more analytical and questioning about what they're being told, and respond much differently to praise and criticism, whereas the kids generally just do what they're told. I've had Sheila (politely) get in my face at practice asking me "Are you just here to swim, or do you want to learn something?" Point taken. Mark In my experience teaching both adults and kids - adults listen they just over-analyze everything that is said and get stuck in their head while swimming which can cause them to panic more especially when working on breathing. My guess is the OP did better in class because the instructor could get them to focus on one aspect at a time. When by yourself it is way too easy to let all the analyzing and self-doubt creep in. Most kids have the fearlessness to just go for whatever the instructor tells them. They trust the instructor is right and will go for it. The adults may trust the instructor but they don't always trust that they themselves have the ability. Definitely two completely different methods needed when coaching. |
| 2015-07-29 3:56 PM in reply to: gary p |
| 225 | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by gary p Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. I said it earlier, and I'll say it again. Some people just have a natural breast stroke. I've taught a lot of kids to swim, and every once in a while you get a kid who was just born to swim breast stroke and really struggle with an alternating stroke like front and back crawl. |
| 2015-07-29 5:12 PM in reply to: 3mar |
Elite 7783 PEI, Canada | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by 3mar I am amazed at how this got to four pages. It seems pretty straight forward to me. Learn front crawl. Saying breast stroke is *easier* than crawl is like saying riding a beach cruiser is *easier* than a tri bike. Which is true; typically the time spent on a beach cruiser is easier than time spent on a tri bike. So are you going to ride a beach cruiser for a triathlon? Breaststroke is the new flip turns. |
| 2015-07-29 5:44 PM in reply to: axteraa |
| 1502 Katy, Texas | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by axteraa Originally posted by 3mar I am amazed at how this got to four pages. It seems pretty straight forward to me. Learn front crawl. Saying breast stroke is *easier* than crawl is like saying riding a beach cruiser is *easier* than a tri bike. Which is true; typically the time spent on a beach cruiser is easier than time spent on a tri bike. So are you going to ride a beach cruiser for a triathlon? Breaststroke is the new flip turns. Well I don't do flip turns during a triathlon either! |
| 2015-07-29 5:51 PM in reply to: TriCDA |
Pro 6582 Melbourne FL Gold member | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Two or three years ago I was following a pack during a sprint race, I was #3 in the pack following the inside line and after 200 yd we ended up swimming over a breaststroker, I mean I was on top of him following the bubbles in front of me. I felt awful about it but wasn't in the mood to have to lose the pack and rhythm. Poor guy was gasping but in triathlon if you are going to stay the inside line be prepared for anything faster coming your way. I have no poblem if your going to do BS but stay to the outside. Last race I came up on a BS during a 600 yd sprint with about 250 to go and had a heck of a time passing him as he sped up but not enough and was holding the inside line. I was getting all kinds of hits on my legs for the pack following me and I decided to go to his out side but only enough to make it uncomfortable for him, i.e, I was touching his legs and arms on the way around as I'm sure everyone else behind me was too. 1:50 or so during a long course, stay to the outside and enjoy your swim otherwise you may get run over if you are hogging the inside lines. |
| 2015-07-30 7:40 AM in reply to: marysia83 |
| Master 10208 Northern IL | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by marysia83 Originally posted by brigby1 Yes - it is Chicago Tri - have you done this one? I know, especially since it's my first time in open water, there will be faster and better swimmers than me. I have no problem with that. I just want to make sure I don't cause too much damage. Thanks for your advice - I will stay to the outside. Originally posted by mike761 Originally posted by marysia83 Can I ask your for an advice in open water: I will be swimming sprint distance in Lake Michigan (750 meters) in breaststroke. I really don't have an intention to hurt anyone, but at the same time I realize I will be still faster than some people - therefore, I don't want to stay in the back and simply wait until everyone is gone and I have enough space. I was thinking of starting with breaststroke arms with fly kicks until the group spreads out, and once we are not on top of each other, and there is more space, I would continue with breaststroke kicks. This will be my first time in open water, so I am not sure if that scenario makes sense - it works with running, so I assumed it sounds fair. I'm curious what you think. Thanks, Mary Lake Michigan from what I hear is cold, so it will probably be wet suite legal- check past results or ask the RD. Do you have a wet suit? Sounds like you never did an open water swim before- its a lot different than a pool swim You will most likely start in waves- start in the back of your wave and to the outside. If our going to swim breastroke I suggest you swim the entire event on the out side away from most others. It might be slightly longer but not much, and will reduce the chances of you kicking some one. If it's a wave start and you don't swim to the outside there is a good chance of someone swimming over you. This sounds like Chicago Tri. It's Lake Michigan water, but in a mostly protected harbor. Seawall/breakwater should keep at least most of the bigger waves down, but some might get through the boat access opening. Water temperature could be all over the place. Might warm some if there isn't as much exchange or it could turn over and be cold. Be ready for anything there. Also, if it is Chicago Tri, there will seemingly be ~100,000 waves going off. You will overtake some people. You will be overtaken by people. Outside best you can is likely to be most appreciated by everyone. If I'm reading things right, it's mostly straight with a left at the end to get out. I'm in the Chicago area and have looked into it, but haven't done it. Too big and crowded for me. I may have actually raced more in Wisconsin than Illinois! Keep going with the swim improvements, and track what you do. So go ahead and include anything you do in the water. |
| 2015-07-30 11:39 AM in reply to: TriCDA |
| 1731 Denver, Colorado | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? I know you guys have good intentions and try to be supportive, but every time breaststroke question arise I see that the feedback is mostly: "go learn freestyle". And I found it a little discouraging. Yes - I want to learn front crawl (and other beginners too, probably), but what comes easier to some, may not come as easy to the others. If somebody told me few years ago I would do (or train for) triathlon, I would die from laughing. I have plenty of disadvantages, just like some other people may, but it does not stop me from trying. I am not fighting for a podium, so comments such "freestyle is faster" are not really speaking to me. I agree front crawl has plenty of advantages, and I make a vow I will do it for next year course. But I do not want to give up the training and upcoming race just because I picked the style that is not liked by masters. I want to be comfortable and enjoy the race, and not feel miserable, just so I can say "I'm the real triathlete." I do care about other swimmers, therefore, I was seeking an advice on how to make it easier for others. Thanks for your feedback on this. I will definitely stay on the side and try flutter kicks with BS arms - at least until it's not too crawdy. |
| 2015-07-30 1:05 PM in reply to: marysia83 |
Champion 7036 Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by marysia83 I know you guys have good intentions and try to be supportive, but every time breaststroke question arise I see that the feedback is mostly: "go learn freestyle". And I found it a little discouraging. Yes - I want to learn front crawl (and other beginners too, probably), but what comes easier to some, may not come as easy to the others. If somebody told me few years ago I would do (or train for) triathlon, I would die from laughing. I have plenty of disadvantages, just like some other people may, but it does not stop me from trying. I am not fighting for a podium, so comments such "freestyle is faster" are not really speaking to me. I agree front crawl has plenty of advantages, and I make a vow I will do it for next year course. But I do not want to give up the training and upcoming race just because I picked the style that is not liked by masters. I want to be comfortable and enjoy the race, and not feel miserable, just so I can say "I'm the real triathlete." I do care about other swimmers, therefore, I was seeking an advice on how to make it easier for others. Thanks for your feedback on this. I will definitely stay on the side and try flutter kicks with BS arms - at least until it's not too crawdy. If you're most comfortable doing breaststroke, then that's fine. Don't let it discourage you or keep you from doing races. The most important thing is getting through the swim safely and comfortably. There are no style points in triathlon. As long as you're respectful of your fellow competitors, then you're good. I've been whacked more times by erratic freestylers who couldn't swim in a straight line than by breaststrokers. Is freestyle the fastest stroke? No doubt when done well. But I've also known folks who competed using breast, back, sidestroke, dog paddle or a combination of strokes. Good luck. Mark |
| 2015-07-30 1:22 PM in reply to: 0 |
| Master 5557 , California | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by bigevilgrape Originally posted by gary p I said it earlier, and I'll say it again. Some people just have a natural breast stroke. I've taught a lot of kids to swim, and every once in a while you get a kid who was just born to swim breast stroke and really struggle with an alternating stroke like front and back crawl. Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. Having taught a lot of kids to swim, I've seen *most* who gravitate towards (casual) breaststroke are the ones who didn't want to, or weren't taught to, put their face in the water. It's a slight fear of the water. It can be overcome, but some people carry this to adulthood and it takes more dedication to work through it. I'm *not* saying this as an attack on the original poster, just pointing out a common theme with adult onset swimmers. Compound that with sighting issues in outdoor swimming, and you can see why people find it hard to switch to freestyle. Edited by spudone 2015-07-30 1:24 PM |
| 2015-07-30 2:56 PM in reply to: spudone |
| 1731 Denver, Colorado | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by spudone Originally posted by bigevilgrape Originally posted by gary p I said it earlier, and I'll say it again. Some people just have a natural breast stroke. I've taught a lot of kids to swim, and every once in a while you get a kid who was just born to swim breast stroke and really struggle with an alternating stroke like front and back crawl. Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. Having taught a lot of kids to swim, I've seen *most* who gravitate towards (casual) breaststroke are the ones who didn't want to, or weren't taught to, put their face in the water. It's a slight fear of the water. It can be overcome, but some people carry this to adulthood and it takes more dedication to work through it. I'm *not* saying this as an attack on the original poster, just pointing out a common theme with adult onset swimmers. Compound that with sighting issues in outdoor swimming, and you can see why people find it hard to switch to freestyle. I totally agree! When I decided to train in breaststroke it was more like "don't get your hair wet", but I thought that maybe once I relax and just get more familiar with water, it would be easier, and eventually - easier to feel comfortable with front crawl. At some point my head spontaneously moved under water and I started exhaling through my nose - and that happened by itself - as if I did not have to control my nose anymore. (and that was probably my other problem with crawl) And eventually, it was smoother to transition to the "real" breaststroke". I am planning to do the same tactic with front crawl - just take it easy, relax, and get "friendly" with water, and not swim "against" water. |
| 2015-07-30 3:30 PM in reply to: marysia83 |
Member 1748 Exton, PA | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by marysia83 Originally posted by spudone Originally posted by bigevilgrape Originally posted by gary p I said it earlier, and I'll say it again. Some people just have a natural breast stroke. I've taught a lot of kids to swim, and every once in a while you get a kid who was just born to swim breast stroke and really struggle with an alternating stroke like front and back crawl. Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. Having taught a lot of kids to swim, I've seen *most* who gravitate towards (casual) breaststroke are the ones who didn't want to, or weren't taught to, put their face in the water. It's a slight fear of the water. It can be overcome, but some people carry this to adulthood and it takes more dedication to work through it. I'm *not* saying this as an attack on the original poster, just pointing out a common theme with adult onset swimmers. Compound that with sighting issues in outdoor swimming, and you can see why people find it hard to switch to freestyle. I totally agree! When I decided to train in breaststroke it was more like "don't get your hair wet", but I thought that maybe once I relax and just get more familiar with water, it would be easier, and eventually - easier to feel comfortable with front crawl. At some point my head spontaneously moved under water and I started exhaling through my nose - and that happened by itself - as if I did not have to control my nose anymore. (and that was probably my other problem with crawl) And eventually, it was smoother to transition to the "real" breaststroke". I am planning to do the same tactic with front crawl - just take it easy, relax, and get "friendly" with water, and not swim "against" water. There is a reason for the basic steps I wrote down in learning to swim. Front crawl should be broken down a taught in pieces bubbles floating kick kick and breathing arms full stroke Learning to blow bubbles in the water most adults want to skip, or plane refuse to do. However it puts an end to the thought about not getting your face or hair wet right away, because its the first thing you do. It gets use used to blowing air out anytime your face is in the water; it gets you used to putting your face in; and it gets rid of any notion that your not going to get your hair wet. |
| 2015-07-30 4:27 PM in reply to: 0 |
| 1731 Denver, Colorado | Subject: RE: Breaststrokes anyone? Originally posted by mike761 Originally posted by marysia83 Originally posted by spudone Originally posted by bigevilgrape Originally posted by gary p I said it earlier, and I'll say it again. Some people just have a natural breast stroke. I've taught a lot of kids to swim, and every once in a while you get a kid who was just born to swim breast stroke and really struggle with an alternating stroke like front and back crawl. Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano I wouldn't argue that breaststroke might be the most difficult to perfect. But some seem find that reaching a level of competence in breaststroke is easier than crawl. IMO it might be the most technical stroke. While what you see might look right there are more places to have flaws. Putting all the pieces of reach, pull, recovery together with the kick are a little different then swimming free. The kick has a recovery aspect to it that is different from free in that it's not a constant (probably wrong word to describe it) motion like the kick in free. Same with the recovery in the arm stroke. You mentioned your kids take lessons. If they are on a swim team at their next meet pay attention to the kids who specialize in breaststroke and I think you will notice the difference. Having taught a lot of kids to swim, I've seen *most* who gravitate towards (casual) breaststroke are the ones who didn't want to, or weren't taught to, put their face in the water. It's a slight fear of the water. It can be overcome, but some people carry this to adulthood and it takes more dedication to work through it. I'm *not* saying this as an attack on the original poster, just pointing out a common theme with adult onset swimmers. Compound that with sighting issues in outdoor swimming, and you can see why people find it hard to switch to freestyle. I totally agree! When I decided to train in breaststroke it was more like "don't get your hair wet", but I thought that maybe once I relax and just get more familiar with water, it would be easier, and eventually - easier to feel comfortable with front crawl. At some point my head spontaneously moved under water and I started exhaling through my nose - and that happened by itself - as if I did not have to control my nose anymore. (and that was probably my other problem with crawl) And eventually, it was smoother to transition to the "real" breaststroke". I am planning to do the same tactic with front crawl - just take it easy, relax, and get "friendly" with water, and not swim "against" water. There is a reason for the basic steps I wrote down in learning to swim. Front crawl should be broken down a taught in pieces bubbles floating kick kick and breathing arms full stroke Learning to blow bubbles in the water most adults want to skip, or plane refuse to do. However it puts an end to the thought about not getting your face or hair wet right away, because its the first thing you do. It gets use used to blowing air out anytime your face is in the water; it gets you used to putting your face in; and it gets rid of any notion that your not going to get your hair wet. Yes - and I think the classes I took should have started with that. I truly appreciate your feedback. I think I should print these steps and make a cheat-sheet or checklist  My birthday wish for this year (my b-day is next month) is that at some point I come to this forum and say: "hey guys, I know how to swim front crawl and I love it Edited by marysia83 2015-07-30 4:30 PM |
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