What this swimming skill is
After pushing off the wall in breaststroke, swimmers take a short, planned swim under the surface before swimming on top. Your child glides in a long, stretched-out shape, takes one big arm pull and kicks up into their stroke. If your child swims in meets, we teach the version their meets use.
This comes once your child swims breaststroke with a steady rhythm and can turn with a two-hand touch. It leads on to the medley, where breaststroke is one of four strokes in a single swim.
Why it matters
A smoother start to each length.
The underwater pull carries your child a good way before they begin swimming. Lengths feel easier.
Essential for swim team.
Breaststroke races use it after the start and after each turn.
Calm under the surface.
A short, planned swim under the surface builds relaxed confidence.
Short and relaxed, never a test.
Your child comes up whenever they need air. It is about smoothness, not holding the breath.
Who it is for
This is for children, teens and adults who swim breaststroke with a steady rhythm and are happy pushing off just under the surface. Children on a swim team need it after every start and turn. If you are learning as an adult for fitness, you can learn a simple version. Or you can simply start swimming at the surface after each turn. Your instructor matches it to your comfort under the water.
After pushing off
The goal
After pushing off, your child glides in a long, straight line, then takes one big pull and kicks up into breaststroke. It looks smooth and unhurried, and they come up ready to swim.
Why it matters
It gives every breaststroke length a strong, easy start. For children heading to meets, it becomes second nature long before race day.
What happens in lessons
The glide first.
Your child pushes off and holds a long, stretched-out shape, coming up whenever they need air.
One big pull.
Standing in the water, your child tries the long arm pull slowly, then from a glide.
Kicking up to the surface.
Your child adds the kick that brings them up into their first breaststroke.
Putting it together.
The parts join into one smooth sequence, first after push-offs and then after turns.
How you can help between lessons
- On land, say the order out loud: glide, pull, glide, kick up, swim.
Common questions
- My child runs out of breath during the underwater pull. Is that a problem?
- It is a sign to shorten it. Your child should always come up when they need air. Your instructor shortens the glides and builds comfort gradually, never by asking them to stay under longer.
- Do adults who swim for fitness need this?
- Not necessarily. It is satisfying to learn, but plenty of adults start swimming at the surface after each turn. We teach it if you want it.
- My child swims in meets. Will they learn the right version?
- Yes. The rules for this part of breaststroke change from time to time. If your child swims in meets, we teach the version their meets use.
- Why does it sometimes feel slow?
- Usually the pauses between the parts are too long or too short. Getting the timing right takes practice, and your instructor fine-tunes it with your child.
