By Le collectif « grande évasion »: Jomin Sophie, Leroy Caroline, Maillard Dominique, Opigez Jérémy, Potdevin François, Preuvot Didier, Salzard Mélanie, Taillandier Peggy
I CAN control my leg movements to execute an effective breaststroke kick
From the vertical position, the movement is successful when the swimmer's head rises at the end of the movement.
At the deep end of the pool, students are spaced every 1.50 meters along the edge. In the water, they face the vertical wall with their elbows resting on the poolside and their stomachs pressed against it. Their heads remain above the surface so they can watch and listen to the instructor.
Before entering the water, students reviewed the breaststroke technique. They follow the teacher’s instructions both visually and audibly. During the recovery phase of the legs, they are encouraged to look at their feet before initiating the propulsive movement
The exercise lasts no more than 5 minutes, as it demands a high level of focus and concentration
There is no pre-requisite swimming level.
Starting from a vertical position with legs straight, the breaststroke kick is broken down into four key steps:
1. Bend – bring the heels up toward the buttocks.
2. Turn out – rotate the feet outward, with the big toes pointing away from each other.
3. Sweep – move the heels outward in a circular motion.
4. Snap and stretch – bring the legs together forcefully and return to the starting position, with the legs fully extended and pressed together from thighs to feet
Key teaching points to support student learning:
· Maintain contact with the wall: The stomach must remain pressed against the wall at all times to prevent hip flexion and ensure proper body alignment.
· Foot positioning: After the recovery phase, the feet should rotate outward. Encourage students to visually check that their toes are pointing in the correct direction.
· Acceleration cue: Use the imagery of the feet "clicking and making noise" at the end of the kick to emphasize a strong, fast closing action that drives propulsion.
Teaching strategy:
The instructor moves along the poolside to give verbal cues, offer corrections, and ensure that each student is performing the movement correctly
