Description of movement breaststroke (undulation technique)

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The float is almost in the sliding position. The head lies between the arms, facing the pelvic floor. The legs are lower than the hips so that the undulating movement is initiated.

The body lies stretched out in the water so that there is as little resistance as possible when gliding. The head is still between the arms, looking down.

In this phase, the head is lifted slightly, the elbows remain at head height, and the arms are guided under the body at a right angle in the elbow joint. The swimmer is slightly in the hollow back. The explosive exhalation occurs.

In the 4th picture the swimmer brings his elbows together under his body. He is still in a slightly hollow back position. The head is raised above the surface of the water and inhalation is initiated.

Preparations are being made for the arm swing phase. However, this must be done properly under the water surface. The swimmer inhales. The upper body is clearly lifted out of the water. The leg action is initiated.

The arms are brought forward underwater. The leg action begins. The thighs are not moved forward against the water resistance as in the classic breaststroke, but remain standing. The lower legs are drawn in to create a right angle in the knee joint. The feet are rotated outward (supinated).

The head is immersed in the water. The arms are stretched. The lower legs circle until the legs are straight.

The upper body is higher than the arms and legs so that the undulating movement is maintained. The lower legs approach. The sliding phase is initiated.

Legs are closed and the body is brought into a sliding position. The head lies between the arms. A new breaststroke cycle is initiated.

More information

More information about swimming:

  • swim
  • boost
  • Freestyle swimming
  • Dolphin swimming
  • Backstroke
  • Breaststroke
  • Turns while swimming
  • Movement science

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