Breaststroke
Breaststroke uses a simultaneous, symmetric arm sweep and a whip-like frog kick, with a distinct glide between strokes — technical, rhythmic and the slowest of the four strokes.
Overview
In breaststroke both arms sweep out and back together while the legs perform a simultaneous whip (or “frog”) kick, and the swimmer breathes forward each cycle. A short streamlined glide follows each pull, so timing matters as much as power.
It is often the stroke where technique makes the biggest difference: a well-timed glide travels far, while rushing the cycle wastes energy. That makes it rewarding to refine over time.
What defines it
- Simultaneous, symmetric arm sweep — both arms move together.
- A whip-like “frog” kick provides most of the propulsion.
- A short glide follows each stroke, so timing is key.
- The slowest but most technically-timed competitive stroke.
Getting started
- 1Learn the whip kick first, often practised holding the wall or a kickboard.
- 2Add the simultaneous arm sweep, keeping it compact.
- 3Focus on the glide — pause briefly in a streamlined position each cycle.
Other Swimming disciplines
The forms of Swimming sit alongside each other — explore the rest.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Breaststroke to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Sports
- SwimmingA full-body, low-impact endurance sport suitable for almost every age and ability.
- Speed SkatingA racing sport on long-bladed skates, powering around an ice oval or tight indoor track with long, rhythmic strides.
- Brazilian Jiu-JitsuA ground-focused grappling art that uses leverage, position and technique to control a partner.
- Water PoloA demanding team sport played in deep water, blending swimming endurance with tactics.
- RowingA rhythmic, full-body endurance sport on the water or on an indoor machine.
Rules
- False startA rule breach in a race when a competitor begins to move before the starting signal is given.
- Swimming stroke rulesThe technical rules that define how each competitive swimming stroke must be performed and how walls are touched.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Lane disciplineThe rule that competitors must stay within their assigned lane in lane-based races.
Facilities
Techniques
- BreaststrokeA swimming stroke with a simultaneous arm sweep, a whip-like frog kick and a glide, performed on the front.
- Freestyle StrokeThe fastest swimming stroke, using alternating overhead arm pulls, a flutter kick and rhythmic side breathing.
- BackstrokeThe only competitive stroke swum on the back, using alternating overhead arm pulls and a steady flutter kick.
- Flip TurnA fast turn in freestyle where the swimmer somersaults at the wall, pushes off on their back and rotates to continue swimming.
- One-Handed BackhandA backhand groundstroke struck with a single hand on the grip, driving through the ball with a full extension of the hitting arm.
How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Discipline
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-07-09
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