A big thanks to our coaches and swimmers for all of their efforts the past few weeks. We have already seen a lot of improvement!

We, did, however, get a lot of  "DQs" (disqualifications) last night in breaststroke (as did Sherwood). Technically speaking breaststroke is the hardest stroke to master, so we were not surprised. Coaches worked on breaststroke at this morning's practice but we also wanted to send you a few videos to watch. Both younger & older, more experienced swimmers will benefit, so please watch them! The pull and kick is narrower than you'd think, and there are important things to learn in terms of head and body position:

1. Great explanation and demonstration of breaststroke:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9GyxRTNnIY

2. Biggest mistakes in breaststroke and how to fix them (parents will need to help younger swimmers understand the content of this video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsjyLPvFuaM

3. Lily King (current world record holder for the women’s 100m breaststroke, from USA)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHldNrA4KF0

*this is a great underwater shot of what swimmers should be doing under the water on breaststroke. Slow the playback speed to .5 by clicking on the gear icon in the lower right, the click on “playback speed” and choose .5, so you can watch her in slow motion.

4. Adam Peaty (current world record holder for the men’s 100m breaststroke, from Great Britian) - this guy is amazing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsGHSe6N06w

We hope these are helpful to you. Remember to check out what constitutes an "illegal breaststroke move" on our swimtopia site under "Resources" > FAQs (#4)

REMINDER: Evening practice starts tonight, 7-8 pm. It will run on Mon, Wed. and Thurs. Morning practices started today.

Cathy M and Shaun S, Swim Committee