How to Practice Breaststroke Kicks

Generally, our legs work pretty well on land, but when it comes to swimming things get a little tougher. The breaststroke kick is one that demands both leg strength and flexibility as well as some practice to get the technique down right. Some experts say it's the hardest stroke in swimming.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Practice out of the water. Sit on the side of the pool with your legs and feet partly in the water. Your legs should be slightly apart.

2. Bend your knees toward your body.

3. Move your legs out in a circular motion and bring them back in the original position. The leg action you create as you practice this stroke is a whip kick, with your legs snapping out and back.

4. Move to the water. Once you have perfected the breaststroke, you are ready to move into the water. When your legs are in the water, remember that your knees should never be more than one inch apart and you shouldn't break the surface of the water.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll be able to do a better breaststroke kick if your ankles are coordinated and flexible. Doing strengthening exercises for your ankles will help your breaststroke.
• Leg adduction (drawing your legs back together on the second part of the kick) places a lot of stress on the groin and the inside of the knee. Maintain control of your movements so you won't injure yourself.

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