Teaching the breaststroke kick to kids involves a progression from basic movements to the correct position in the water, focusing on foot flexibility and coordination.
Prerequisites
Before teaching the breaststroke kick, ensure kids are comfortable with:
- Freestyle kick: They should be able to perform a freestyle kick with the tops of their feet pointed. This lays the foundation for the flexibility needed in the breaststroke. The reference mentions that "children are now ready to strive for this correct position in the water" after mastering freestyle with the tops of their feet.
Steps to Teach the Breaststroke Kick
The process involves breaking down the kick into manageable parts:
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Frog Legs on Land:
- Start on land to get the feel for the movement.
- Have the kids sit with their knees bent and bring their heels towards their buttocks.
- Then, they should push their feet outwards and back together, simulating the breaststroke motion.
- Focus on proper ankle rotation.
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Wall Push-Offs:
- In the water, have kids push off the wall in a streamlined position with arms extended.
- As they glide, practice bringing their heels up, rotating their ankles, and kicking out and back together.
- Ensure they are not doing a bicycle kick, but the distinct breaststroke 'whip' motion.
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Floating on Front:
- Have them float on their front, holding onto a kickboard or using pool noodles for support.
- Practice the kick while floating. This helps to focus solely on the leg movement without the challenge of maintaining body position.
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Combining Arm and Leg Movements:
- Once the kick is reasonably good, start to combine it with basic breaststroke arm movements.
- Coordinate the arm pull with the leg kick for the complete movement.
- Practice with the kickboard or without it, ensuring proper body alignment and breathing pattern
Key Points
- Ankle Flexibility: Emphasize the importance of ankle rotation for the kick to be effective, as shown in the initial land-based practice.
- Whip Kick: The kick should be a whip-like action where feet come out and around, not a bicycle kick with the feet going straight up and down.
- Coordination: Break down the movement into smaller parts initially, and then slowly connect the arm movement to the leg kick.
- Patience: Teaching young children requires a lot of patience and positive encouragement.
Additional Tips
- Use Visual Aids: Use diagrams or videos to demonstrate the proper kick.
- Use Games: Incorporate fun games to make learning enjoyable. For example, “frog kicks” across the pool.
- Provide Feedback: Give specific feedback on foot position, timing, and technique.
By following these steps and incorporating the fundamental techniques, children can successfully learn the breaststroke kick and progress in their swimming journey.
