Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics
Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics
Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics
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<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Olympics</strong> <strong>Aquatics</strong> <strong>Coaching</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Created: February 2004<br />
Teaching <strong>Aquatics</strong> Skills - Stroke Development<br />
Breaststroke<br />
Breaststroke<br />
Breaststroke is one of the four competitive strokes. It is also a valuable survival stroke. When swimming the<br />
breaststroke the swimmer is prone in the water, and the arm and leg actions are symmetric. The swimmer breathes in at<br />
the beginning of each arm stroke.<br />
Breaststroke is the only competitive stroke where the arm recovery is carried out under water and where a greater<br />
amount of frontal resistance is experienced. The arm action is an out sweep, down sweep, in sweep and up sweep with<br />
recovery in a streamline position.<br />
The leg kick in breaststroke is probably the most difficult of all kicks for swimmers to master and may take some<br />
time. The leg action is simultaneous and is sometimes described as a “whip kick.” In addition to the breathing, the<br />
correct timing of the arms and legs is very important.<br />
Swimmers are encouraged to develop good streamlining skills when performing the breaststroke, and correct turns<br />
and finishes need to be reinforced. The teaching of a “split stroke” at the start and turn phase of the swim is very<br />
important.<br />
Teaching the Breaststroke Kick<br />
Practice the breaststroke kick on pool deck<br />
Teaching Points<br />
1. Swimmer lies face down on the pool deck.<br />
2. Legs are fully extended, knees and ankles together, toes pointed.<br />
3. Pull the heels straight up toward the buttocks.<br />
4. Turn the toes out.<br />
5. Keep heels about same width as hips.<br />
6. Kick straight back.<br />
7. Finish with toes pointed.<br />
Practice the breaststroke kick on pool edge<br />
Teaching Points<br />
1. Have the swimmer sit on the pool edge with legs together, heels to wall.<br />
2. Swimmer turns the feet out, making a “V” shape – dorsi-flexed.<br />
3. Keeping the knees together, move the heels along wall.<br />
4. Have the swimmer kick around—“whip”? till both feet are outstretched in front, toes pointed up.<br />
5. Return heels to wall.<br />
<strong>Coaching</strong> Tips<br />
When the swimmer lies on his/her stomach on the pool deck, it will keep the knees from coming up under the<br />
stomach.<br />
Initially, you may have to hold the feet so that the toes are flexed out; bring the heels up to the buttocks.<br />
Help the swimmer maintain a 90-degree angle at the knees.<br />
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