4 Ways You’re STOPPING Breaststroke Momentum (And How Coaches Fix It)
What if I told you that MOST Breaststroke problems have nothing to do with strength — and everything to do with momentum?
Here’s the part that surprises a lot of coaches: you don’t have to be a great Breaststroker to coach Breaststroke well. In fact, sometimes it’s an advantage if you weren’t.
Believe it or not, Breaststroke was NOT my strongest stroke as a swimmer. Even today, with a full technical understanding of Breaststroke swimming, my body doesn’t naturally want to move efficiently in it. And that’s exactly why I’ve had to become very intentional — and very creative — in how I coach it.
If your swimmers look busy but aren’t moving forward, momentum is leaking somewhere. Let’s break down how to improve Breaststroke Momentum — and how coaches fix it FAST.
Why Breaststroke Momentum Is So Easy to Kill
Breaststroke is the most rule-restricted stroke in swimming. That means momentum is fragile.
When timing, legality, or rhythm breaks down — whether in Breaststroke breathing, the kick, or the pull — swimmers don’t just slow down, they stall. And once momentum disappears, swimmers start forcing speed instead of creating it.
That’s where most coaching frustrations begin, especially when working on Breaststroke swimming technique for beginners.
#1. Momentum Dies When Swimmers “Cheat” the Rules
The first thing I look for when Breaststroke momentum is missing is simple:
Where is the swimmer cheating?
USA Swimming Breaststroke rules are crystal clear. If a swimmer is sneaking in a little dolphin kick at the end of the stroke or more dolphin kicks during the pullouts – they’re not “bad swimmers.” Cheating is compensation.
Coach’s rule of thumb:
If a swimmer needs to cheat to move forward, the stroke isn’t functioning correctly.
What to fix
- Remove illegal habits first
- Shorten the stroke cycle
- Clean up timing before adding power
This applies directly to Breaststroke arms, Breaststroke legs, and the connection between the Breaststroke pull and kick.
Coaching cue
Momentum comes from clean sequencing — not extra movement.
For coaches who want a clear framework for teaching legal, fast Breaststroke from the ground up, start here:
FOUNDATIONS OF BREASTSTROKE FOR COACHES
#2. Use Crossovers From Other Sports to Teach Momentum
If a swimmer doesn’t understand a part of their stroke — kick timing, pull shape, undulation — stop explaining it like swimming.
Instead, connect it to something they already know.
This is especially effective when teaching Breaststroke kick for beginners, who often struggle with balance and timing.
Examples that WORK
- Breaststroke kick symmetry → Flamingo standing on one leg
- Kick timing → Jump → land → recover
- Momentum flow → Eggbeater kick from water polo
Imagery sticks longer than biomechanics.
When swimmers see the movement in their mind, their body organizes faster.
That’s not fluff — that’s motor learning.
#3. Get Silly — Because Learning Happens Faster When Swimmers Relax
Some of my most effective Breaststroke cues have come from being completely ridiculous.
Crocs. Flamingos. Team jokes. Inside references.
Why?
Because laughter relaxes swimmers — and relaxed swimmers learn faster.
When I received a message from a coach thanking me for “relating Breaststroke to the team environment,” I knew exactly what she meant. Once swimmers stop overthinking and start playing with movement, momentum shows up naturally.
Serious coaching doesn’t always mean serious delivery.
If swimmers are smiling, they’re open.
If they’re open, momentum improves faster.
#4. The 3 Hidden Mistakes That Kill Breaststroke Momentum
Even if you can’t swim Breaststroke well yourself, you CAN train your coaching eye to spot what’s slowing swimmers down.
These are the three most common momentum killers I see on deck:
1) Spending too much time in the glide
Momentum fades when swimmers pause instead of flowing continuously from each stroke to the next. Breaststroke doesn’t reward patience — it rewards connection.
2) Starting the kick late
A late kick means the body is already decelerating before propulsion begins. Once speed is lost, swimmers end up chasing it with effort instead of timing.
3) The last one…
This mistake is the hardest to feel and the easiest to miss from the surface — but it quietly destroys speed.
(And yes, this is where video becomes a game-changer.)
VIDEO: 3 Mistakes That Hurt Breaststroke Momentum
Coaches, when we talk Breaststroke, everyone loves to focus on timing — but momentum is just as important.
In this video, I break down three subtle mistakes that quietly kill your swimmers’ speed, even when the stroke looks “mostly right.” These issues show up every day on deck, across all levels.Watch closely and train your coaching eye.
Once you see these momentum leaks, you can’t unsee them — and more importantly, you can fix them FAST.
Momentum Is Physical — AND Mental
Sometimes momentum isn’t breaking down in the stroke at all.
It’s breaking down between the ears.
Hesitation. Overthinking. Fear of getting it wrong.
The best swim coaches aren’t the best swimmers.
They’re the best at figuring out whether a problem is technical or psychological — and addressing the right one.
Once swimmers trust the rhythm, momentum returns quickly.
How to Build Breaststroke Momentum Faster
If you want to accelerate progress:
For Swimmers
Get expert eyes on your timing, kick, and sequencing with:
SWIM VIDEO ANALYSIS PACKAGES
Personalized feedback changes everything.
For Coaches
Build a repeatable system for teaching Breaststroke — even if it wasn’t your stroke — with:
SWIM STROKE COURSES & TECHNIQUE SEASON PLANS
Final Coach’s Takeaway
You don’t need to swim Breaststroke beautifully to coach it effectively.
You need sharp eyes, creative cues, and the confidence to simplify.
Your swimmers don’t need more effort.
They need momentum that actually carries forward.
Fix momentum — and the rest of the stroke starts fixing itself.
About Author:
Abbie Fish is the founder of Swim Like A Fish and a nationally recognized swim coach and educator. She helps swimmers and coaches improve stroke mechanics, timing, and momentum through science-based coaching, video analysis, and stroke-specific education.