The breaststroke is the oldest known swimming stroke and is one of four strokes used in competitive swimming. This stroke is also very popular in leisure swimming because the head can be held up, making vision and breathing easy and because the swimmer can rest between strokes if needed. My best stroke is the Breaststroke, and I naturally have always been a magnificent breaststroker. There are tons of benefits of being able to swim this stroke such as, swimmers can also use the breaststroke in survival swimming and in lifesaving situations. Since the breaststroke has many uses and is easy to learn, it is one of the best strokes to teach a beginning swimmer.                                                                                                                         When teaching the breaststroke to a beginner, it is very important to explain every aspect of the stroke from head to toe. The head should be positioned so the hairline is at the surface of the water, keeping the body horizontal. The arm motions of the breaststroke are performed simultaneously, moving in opposite directions. The leg motions are performed in the same fashion. Lifting the hips as the hands are extended in front, then lifting the upper body as the hands finish and start to recover creates a rocking action. This rocking action is an automatic movement if the stroke is performed correctly.       In the glide, the body is flat, prone, and streamlined, with the legs together and extended straight out. Keeping the palms down, extend the arms in front of the head. Angle the hands slightly downward and turn the palms outward at a 45-degree angle to the surface of the water. With the arms straight, press the palms directly out until the hands are spread wide out and pull them back with as much force as possible. This will pull the swimmer forward and move them in the direction whichever they choose.

The kicking is much easier to attempt and a little more difficult to explain. After each pull, the legs should also be facing downward at a 45-degree angle. When the arms swing back around the swimmer must kick in an outward motion and then bring the legs back to the starting position. This kicking motion takes around three seconds to complete in a beneficial manner. The kick is the strongest part of the stroke and the most important, because it propels you forward the most out of all the parts of the stroke.

The Breaststroke is one of the most beneficial strokes to know in swimming. It is key to survival in water and a very brilliant workout. It is a great benefit that it is one of the easiest strokes to master the basics. The other strokes such as Butterfly, Freestyle, and Backstroke are great to, but they do not compare to the Breaststroke. I understand why other swimmers would prefer these other strokes. However I have always been one of the best breaststrokers in my town, my competitive swim team, and my family.