The key to a powerful breaststroke is the timing you use. There are three patterns in use; glide, continuous, and overlap timing.
Glide timing has a small pause when the hands are fully extended.
Continuous timing has no pause, and is not recommended because the out scull is not very propulsive, causing a drop in speed right when speed is the highest; after the kick.
Overlap timing is used by most fast breaststrokers to reduce the period of slowing down from the kick and the insweep of the arms. This timing is done by sweeping the arms for the out scull while the legs are coming together at the finish of the kick.
You should increase the overlap if your insweep is less powerful. This results in a rapid turnover and greater energy cost, but is faster.
Wayne McCauley is the S.P.M.A. Librarian, with the largest collection of videos and books in Masters swimming. Wayne has been masters All-American several times, in the 50 and 200 breaststroke events, as well as national champion in the 50 breast. Wayne competes annually in over 25 masters meets, including Glasgow Scotland and Paris, France. |