What this swimming skill is
Breaststroke and butterfly are both swum with the arms working together. So at the wall, both hands touch at the same moment. From there, your child tucks, turns to face back down the pool and pushes off.
The turn itself is close to the one your child already uses in front crawl. Next comes the underwater pull that starts each breaststroke length. Later comes the medley, where one stroke hands over to the next.
Why it matters
A smooth end to every length.
Touching with both hands keeps the stroke even right to the wall. It is the easiest way to finish these strokes.
Ready for swim team.
If your child swims in meets, we teach the version their meets use. Learning it early means nothing to relearn later.
A natural moment to breathe.
Many swimmers find the touch gives them a calm moment to breathe before the next length.
Who it is for
This is for children, teens and adults who can swim a length of breaststroke or butterfly and already turn at the wall in front crawl. It suits children heading for a swim team, who benefit from making it a habit early. If you are learning as an adult and swim breaststroke for fitness, you will likely enjoy it. The touch gives a natural moment to breathe.
In breaststroke or butterfly
The goal
Your child swims breaststroke or butterfly into the wall and touches with both hands at the same moment. They turn, push off and carry on swimming without a pause.
Why it matters
It gives these strokes a clean, even finish at every wall. For children heading to meets, it becomes a habit they will not need to relearn.
What happens in lessons
Practising the touch.
Your child starts close to the wall, reaching in with both hands together. It feels a bit like a double high five for the wall.
Adding the turn.
From the touch, your child tucks their knees, turns to face down the pool and pushes off. It is close to the front crawl turn they know.
Swimming in from further away.
The swims get longer, so your child learns to arrive with both hands reaching the wall together.
Putting it into lengths.
Your child swims a few lengths, finishing and turning each time, with the instructor watching for an even touch.
How you can help between lessons
Common questions
- My child does not race. Does this matter?
- Not for safety, but it still helps. The two-hand touch is the smoothest way to finish these strokes. It also keeps the door open to a swim team.
- Why both hands?
- Breaststroke and butterfly are swum with both arms together, so finishing with both hands keeps the stroke balanced. If your child swims in meets, we teach the version their meets use.
- How long does it take to learn?
- It depends on how settled your child's breaststroke or butterfly is. Some pick it up in a few lessons, and others need longer. Your instructor keeps it relaxed and practises it at the end of each length.
- Can adults learn this?
- Yes. The steps are the same at any age. Adults who swim breaststroke often find it makes their laps flow better.
