Here's a good old fashioned drill known by waterpolo players everywhere, that can awaken the inner shin and ankle for a better breaststroke kick.

Why do it:
Because all of the other kicks interact with the top and bottom of the foot, sometimes this simple drill can show swimmers that the INNER part of the foot, ankle and shin are needed for a good breaststroke kick.

How to do it:
1 - Start with a gentle sculling with the hands.  Alternate a single kick with the inside of the foot pushing down.
2 - Keep the back straight, and try to avoid the swimmers leaning forward.  Stay vertical with the feet pushing the body UP.
3 - Gradually raise the hands to increase the pressure on the kick.

How to do it really well (the fine point):
Slowing keep the hands moving upward, until the elbows are completely out of the water.  Make sure the swimmer maintains the body alignment, teaching the downward press of the foot.  The rate of the alternating action of the feet should increase as the hands get farther above the surface of the water.

Sign In to watch video

Breaststroke - Egg Beater Kick