I've aways had a pool in my backyard and I'm a strong swimmer. I'm just not a fast swimmer. I was a lifeguard on a beach 2 summers ago, but not last. I haven't swam since I was a lifeguard. My form is horrible and I need to get quicker for the test, because I want to lifeguard again this summer.

If you were to list a couple of mistakes beginners would make in the breaststroke what would those be?

Thanks for any experienced information.

Tight knees on the kick through. Slack wrist and flared hands (make sure you cup those bad boys)

The thing about breaststroke is to make definate movements focussed on power rather than speed.

check out NBS~!!! whatupbro!

G8tR8- here is one you are looking for, since your probably scared to ask Sparrow ;-) keepen ya in check.

What you talking bout Willis? No, you're right, FF, I do need to work on my form - but also my swimming musculature. When I swam those 400m last week, I could only go about 100 m before I had to rest with side stroke.

But, don't worry. I am gonna pm sparrow for some insiders.

G8R80

Also get out of the water get your chest up and thrust your hip forward... STREAMLINE not just stroke after stroke, and make sure your kick is good this is where most people decide to do scissors kick instead of breaststroke kick .

I'd say the number one thing I see people do is pulling and kicking at the same time, or nearly the same time. Then when they have lag time between strokes they start to sink so they have to pull and kick again quickly. this can be very tiring and not efficient at all. I always say "Kick, Glide, Pull, Breathe". During the glide phase you need to be in a streamline position (head down). You are literally being stretched from fingers to toes. the glide is as important as any other part of the stoke, even though you're not moving for a second or two.

The other thing people do is pull down to their legs with each stroke. Imagine a big mixing bowl right at your chest and don't go wider than that (just outside your shoulders) keep your elbows UP as your hands pull around towards your body. They should be just at the bottom of your rib cage, no lower.

One more thing. As you come up for the breath your legs should be starting to set up for that kick so that as soon as you take the breath you're ready to kick again with no dead time.

maybe that was confusing...I'd google some small video clips if I were you