May 27, 2025 - Breaststroke Timing
GoSwim Live - Breaststroke Timing
No two breaststrokes are alike. But great breaststrokes share one thing: streamline timing. Join us this week as we discuss how and why to improve your breaststroke timing and LINE.
Monday
Brendan Hansen: Streamline Timing
Slow-motion footage of Brendan Hansen reveals his timing. Get the front end of the body back into streamline before delivering the kick.
https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/237-streamline-timing
Tuesday
Amanda Beard: Streamline!
For Amanda Beard, breaststroke timing comes down to creating as little resistance as possible when she pulls, kicks, and glides.
https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/524-streamline
Wednesday
Eric Shanteau: Breaststroke Timing
“Breaststroke is all about timing. If your timing is off, different parts of your body are going to be fighting each other and your whole stroke will be off.” -- Eric Shanteau
https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/733-breaststroke-timing
Thursday
Breaststroke Drill: Kick Recovery Timing (Adam Ritter)
Here’s how to time the recovery of your kick for a faster breaststroke. It’s all about maintaining your LINE for as long as possible in each stroke cycle.
https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2084-breaststroke-kick-recovery-timing
Friday
Breaststroke Drill: Separation Drill
Here’s a great combination: Glenn Mills demonstrating a Steve Haufler drill for improving your breaststroke timing.
https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1391-breaststroke-separation-drill
Saturday
Breaststroke Drill: Toe-Draw Recovery
This timing focus lasts for an instant but can have a major impact on improving your breaststroke LINE.
https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1968-breaststroke-toe-draw-recovery
Sunday
Breaststroke Drill: Timing Your Breath
Are you muscling your stroke…or finessing it? The answer lies in how you time the breath.
https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/921-breaststroke-timing-your-breath
Summary
Website Development and Future Plans
Glenn and Thomas discussed the development of Glenn's website, noting its evolution since 2007-2008. They briefly touched on the high cost of transcription services in the past, with Glenn mentioning that AI advancements might now make such services more affordable. The conversation then shifted to Glenn's plans for a clinic and race, which he had to miss this year but hopes to attend next year. The conversation ended with Glenn preparing to start a recording about breaststroke timing, with Berrin confirming the video quality looked good.
Enhancing Young Swimmers' Techniques
Glenn shared insights from a clinic with young swimmers in Indiana, emphasizing the importance of teaching stroke length, stroke rate, and proper technique. He highlighted how focusing on breaststroke can significantly impact young athletes' understanding of swimming concepts. Glenn stressed the significance of achieving a streamlined position and gliding for longer periods, which are skills that elite swimmers can master by slowing down. He also discussed the need to convey to young swimmers the idea that they can emulate the techniques of Olympians by owning the environment of the water and making productive movements.
Breaststroke Technique and Timing
Glenn discussed breaststroke technique, focusing on timing and body position. He emphasized the importance of "down and out" before "up and in" movements, and explained how to achieve a streamlined position underwater. Glenn also highlighted the significance of proper foot engagement and timing, advocating for the front of the body to be ready to accept propulsion before the kick. He stressed the importance of hitting the line at the end of each stroke and encouraged continuous practice of these techniques.
Understanding Amanda's Breaststroke Technique
Glenn discussed the swimming techniques of Amanda, focusing on her breaststroke style and the mathematical principles behind it. He explained that Amanda's high swimming position was not just a rule to follow but had a specific reason, which was later understood through Amanda's analysis. Glenn highlighted how Amanda's technique, particularly her use of the streamline position, differs from what is typically taught, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "why" behind swimming techniques.
Breaststroke Technique Analysis and Adaptation
Glenn analyzed Amanda's breaststroke technique, noting her unique ability to draw her arms high while maintaining power and efficiency. He emphasized that while her technique might appear flawed to beginners, it demonstrates the importance of finding the right balance in breaststroke through mathematical equations and individual adaptation. Glenn also discussed the role of the pole in breaststroke, explaining that it anchors a spot in the water to draw the hips forward, and highlighted Amanda's ankle flexibility and kick strength as key factors in her success.
Breaststroke Kick Technique Analysis
Glenn discussed breaststroke technique, focusing on the timing and positioning of the kick. He analyzed videos of swimmers like Eric Chanto and Adam Ritter to demonstrate how different athletes execute the stroke with varying degrees of kick recovery and flexibility. Glenn emphasized the importance of delayed kicking and full body extension, attributing these techniques to successful coaches like Eddie Reese and David Marsh. He also introduced the separation drill as a method to teach swimmers to delay the initiation of the kick, highlighting its effectiveness in improving stroke technique.
Russian Swimmer's Artistic Breaststroke Technique
Glenn presented a video analysis of a Russian swimmer's breaststroke technique, highlighting her exceptional hip and ankle flexibility, early foot turnout, and smooth foot recovery. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a narrow kick recovery and keeping the toes together for as long as possible during the stroke. Glenn compared the swimmer's technique to Russian ballet, describing it as "artistic" and "beautiful," and suggested that swimmers focus on the sliding motion of the front of the foot and toe during the stroke.
Breaststroke Technique and Movement Fundamentals
Glenn discussed breaststroke technique, emphasizing the importance of proper timing and head position. He showed a video of a swimmer demonstrating incorrect technique, with the head too high. Glenn explained that in breaststroke, the hands should primarily move outwards rather than backwards, using leverage to draw the body forward. He also shared insights from his experience filming with Ernie in 1983, highlighting the minimal backstroke movement in breaststroke. Beth asked about the concept of pushing water backwards versus an "out and in" motion, to which Glenn confirmed that breaststroke involves more of an outwards movement.
Breaststroke Coaching and Technique Discussion
The group discussed breaststroke coaching techniques, with Aleks explaining their focus on separation drills and pull work with children, particularly using butterfly kick to improve timing. Glenn shared a story about a para athlete who demonstrated resilience during a drill involving push-ups for incorrect stroke counts. The discussion covered ankle flexibility exercises and their importance in preventing knee problems, with Glenn recommending specific exercises from a previous "Get Ready to Go Swim" series. The conversation ended with Barbara suggesting future topics, including open water skills and relay starts, with Berrin confirming an upcoming session on sculling.
