To teach a correct breaststroke kick, we start on deck, with the swimmer lying on their stomach on a kickboard or mat.  

We use a mantra – a repetition of words – because repetition is another way that kids learn.

The mantra for breaststroke kick is:

Suit (bring the heels to the suit)…

…Flex (turn the ankles out)…

…Circle (circle the feet out and around)…

…Squeeze (squeeze the feet and legs together at the finish of the kick).

We start on deck, with the coach working the swimmer.

We practice it by having them hold onto the wall.

And we practice it with a kickboard.

We have them finish by kicking on their stomach with arms in the missile position, and tell them to hide their ears when they kick.

Keep repeating the mantra – suit, flex, circle, squeeze – until they can get the correct movement on their own.


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Breaststroke Kick