Modern Breaststroke

Question
Hello Mr. Shangle,

I have been learning the modern breaststroke by my own. I can follow the stroke pretty well by watching the swimming video. My problem is I can't get the undulation right. When I sweep my hands down, my body doesn't seem to go up to catch the breath. Hope you could help me on this.

Thank you.

Answer
Kenji,
I am sorry for taking so long to reply.  I normally try to respond within 12 hours.  I do apologize!

Breaststroke is a very difficult stroke.  The undulation you refer to is actually a more advanced version of the stroke.  Usually swimmers first learn to "breast" flat without undulating up and down.  This would mean that you would thrust your arms out in front of you while you finish your kick.  That is the fundamental action.  While your feet are finishing the kick, they need to do so in a "snap".  You really need to finish your kick hard and fast.  This will help thrust your arms out.

When you are thrusting your arms out in front of you, you should be going to a streamline position.  In other words your arms should be extended in front of you with your feet together.  This is the most hydro-dynamic position you can be in.  You move the fastest through the water while gliding this way.

Once you manage doing "breast" flat, then you should move into the more advanced undulation.  This is called the wave.  It was introduced to swimming in the 1980's by the Hungarian's.  They called it the Hungarian Wave back then.  Anyway, this is accomplished by kicking slightly down and thrusting your arms slightly down as well.

By kicking slightly down, your hips will come up.  By thrusting your arms down you begin to move in a wave motion.  Does this make sense?  This is very difficult to teach someone in person...and even harder via email!  :-)

I guess I would first work on getting your timing down.  The kick needs to finish while you are thrusting your arms out.  After you get that timing down...work on moving towards the wave motion.

I hope that this does help.  If not, PLEASE email me back at "[email protected]"

Good luck and swim hard.
Eric