This meeting focused on analyzing breaststroke technique, specifically examining hands, wrists, and forearms in swimming. Glenn led a detailed discussion using video analysis of various swimmers including Dave Denniston, Amanda, Brendan McHugh, and Staciana to demonstrate different breaststroke techniques and drills. The group examined specific movements like early vertical forearm (EVF), hand positioning, and sculling drills, with participants sharing coaching techniques and exercises for developing hand awareness and forearm strength. Glenn addressed concerns about enhanced games swimming and discussed upcoming guest appearances from Sarah McLarty and Jessica Hardy in future sessions.

**Summary**

**Open Water Swimming Discussion**

Glenn and Barbara discussed their weekend plans, with Glenn mentioning he would be out of town. Glenn shared his experience with open water swimming, describing a challenging swim last year where he considered quitting due to difficult conditions, including cold water and large waves. Helen joined the conversation and provided advice about properly withdrawing from an open water event by informing the referee.

**Swimming Race Performance Analysis**

Glenn discussed analyzing the enhanced games swimming race, particularly focusing on Christian Golomay's performance that appeared suspicious due to data inconsistencies when comparing broadcast footage to actual race timing. He explained that television broadcasts cannot provide accurate data measurements because camera switches between frames create artificial distance variations in the tracking. Helen offered to share an uncut video of the race that might provide more accurate data for analysis.

**Swimming Technique Review Discussion**

Glenn discussed reviewing swimming videos, including one of Dave Denniston after his accident, noting how he instinctively adapted his technique to focus more on his hands and arms. He analyzed breaststroke techniques, particularly focusing on early vertical forearm (EVF) positions and hand movements, referencing expert feedback from Claude about proper forearm positioning. Glenn planned to share additional content next week featuring Sarah McLarty, an Olympic triathlete and instructor, who will discuss open water swimming techniques.

**Swimming Technique Discussion**

Glenn discussed Monty's innovative swimming technique question about slicing hands to improve speed and catch efficiency, referencing Adam Peaty's approach as an example. Andrew provided technical insights about the out-sweep motion, explaining how water follows the back of the hand and the importance of pulling water effectively, particularly relevant in breaststroke where the pull is shorter. The discussion focused on the balance between speed and technique, with Andrew noting that while rushing through the motion can be effective for strong swimmers like Peaty, it may not be optimal for everyone due to the challenging body position it requires.

**Swimming Drills and Techniques Discussion**

Glenn led a discussion on swimming drills and techniques, focusing on breaststroke movements and hand positions. The group analyzed videos of Olympic swimmers like Staciana and Brendan to examine different stroke styles and drilling methods. They discussed various exercises for developing hand awareness and forearm strength, including "Feed the Wolves" and hand position drills using different gestures like "I love you" and peace signs. The participants shared teaching techniques for both young swimmers and masters swimmers, with Suzy suggesting using rubber bands around wrists to force hand use and Barbara recommending vertical sculling exercises. The conversation ended with plans to feature Sarah McLarty and Jessica Hardy in upcoming sessions focused on open water swimming and dryland preparation.

Featured Videos:

With all the other things to think about in breaststroke – timing, line, width of kick, rhythm – it’s easy to neglect the catch.  Join us this week as we zoom in on the palms, wrists, and forearms in our favorite stroke.

 

**Amanda Beard: Slo-Mo – Under Water – Hands/Eyes**

Try to ignore all the great technique shown by Amanda Beard, and focus on her palms and wrists during the catch and pull.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/539-slow-mo-under-water-hands-eyes>

 

**Brendan Hansen: Breaststroke Outsweep and Head to Air**

Watch Brendan Hansen’s LINE, but pay special attention to his palms, wrists and forearms during the catch and pull.  No break in the wrists.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/875-breaststroke-outsweep-and-head-to-air>

 

**Dave Denniston Drills: 2 Sculls and a Pull**

Check out Dave’s favorite drill for working on his breaststroke catch.  

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/196-2-sculls-and-a-pull>

**Brendan McHugh: Front Scull**

Best way to develop the forearm strength needed for a great breaststroke catch and pull?  Grab a snorkel and do many lengths of this sculling drill.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1979-breaststroke-front-scull>

 

**Breast Drill: Wyoming Feed the Wolves**

This drill (that you can do at your desk) will quickly show swimmers the importance of forearm strength in the breaststroke catch and pull

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2092-breaststroke-wyoming-feed-the-wolves>

 

**Breast Drill: Dave Hands**

Developing a great breaststroke means you need to know exactly what your hands are doing.  Here’s one of Dave Denniston’s favorite drills to build hand feel for the water.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/840-breaststroke-dave-hands>

**Breast Drill: Early Catch Hands**

Here’s a fine point that Dave Denniston uses to maximize his breaststroke catch.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1024-breaststroke-early-catch-hands>


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May 26, 2026 - Breaststroke Hands/Wrists/Forearms