Rules for Breaststroke Turns and Finishes

Introduction

Breaststroke is a highly technical stroke with strict rules governing turns and finishes, aimed at ensuring fair competition. Understanding these rules helps swimmers execute clean turns and finishes, avoiding common mistakes that could lead to disqualification. This guide provides a breakdown of the specific rules for breaststroke turns and finishes, including requirements for hand placement, body positioning, and timing.

1. Rules for Breaststroke Turns: Two-Hand Touch and Simultaneous Movement

A legal breaststroke turn requires precise technique and strict adherence to specific movements.

Tip: Use a Simultaneous Two-Hand Touch

• Requirement: During each turn, swimmers must touch the wall with both hands at the same time, ensuring that the touch is simultaneous and horizontal. Both hands must contact the wall before initiating the turn.
• Common Mistake: Failing to touch the wall with both hands simultaneously or having hands at uneven levels can lead to disqualification.
• Quick Tip: As you approach the wall, keep your hands in line with each other and focus on touching at the same moment to ensure a legal turn.

Tip: Maintain Continuous Motion Throughout the Turn

• Requirement: After the two-hand touch, the turn should be completed in one continuous motion, without pauses or hesitation.
• Common Mistake: Hesitating after touching the wall or stopping before the push-off can disrupt the turn and lead to disqualification.
• Quick Tip: Practice smooth touch-and-turn drills, focusing on keeping the movement fluid from wall touch to push-off.

2. Proper Hand Placement and Body Position During Turns

Correct hand placement and body alignment during the turn ensure compliance with breaststroke rules.

Tip: Execute a Horizontal Touch

• Requirement: Both hands must make contact with the wall at or above the water level, in a horizontal line.
• Common Mistake: Placing one hand significantly higher or lower than the other or touching one after the other is illegal.
• Quick Tip: Approach the wall with a wide, controlled stroke to make a horizontal two-hand touch, making it easier to stay compliant.

Tip: Transition to a Push-Off with Minimum Delay

• Requirement: Swimmers must transition quickly into the push-off without pausing in the turn position. A quick rotation of the body back to a streamlined position is ideal.
• Common Mistake: Staying in contact with the wall for too long or pausing between touch and push-off disrupts the turn.
• Quick Tip: Keep your momentum moving forward by tucking your knees as soon as you make the two-hand touch, allowing for a quick, clean push-off.

3. Rules for Breaststroke Finishes: Two-Hand Touch and Body Position

The finish in breaststroke also requires a simultaneous two-hand touch, with specific positioning requirements.

Tip: Finish with a Simultaneous Two-Hand Touch

• Requirement: Both hands must touch the wall simultaneously at the finish. Like the turn, this touch must be horizontal, with both hands contacting the wall at the same level.
• Common Mistake: Reaching the wall with only one hand or touching with hands at different levels can lead to immediate disqualification.
• Quick Tip: Approach the wall with controlled strokes, ensuring both hands are positioned to reach out simultaneously for the final touch.

Tip: Maintain Body Alignment for a Clean Finish

• Requirement: At the finish, swimmers must maintain alignment by keeping their body on a horizontal plane as they approach the wall.
• Common Mistake: Lifting the head or shoulders too high before the final touch can disrupt body positioning and increase drag, slowing the finish.
• Quick Tip: Focus on a level approach to the wall, with your body aligned and your hands ready to execute a simultaneous, horizontal touch.

4. Timing Requirements for Breaststroke Turns and Finishes

Timing is critical in breaststroke, and proper turn and finish timing can make the difference between a smooth transition and a disqualification.

Tip: Avoid Gliding into the Wall Too Early

• Requirement: Swimmers must complete their stroke cycle without gliding into the wall. Timing the last stroke correctly is crucial for a clean finish.
• Common Mistake: Taking an extra glide before touching the wall can disrupt momentum and is against the rules in some competitions.
• Quick Tip: Count your strokes and adjust timing as you approach the wall to avoid extra glides. Practicing stroke timing will help ensure a clean, legal finish.

Tip: Complete the Stroke Before Touching the Wall

• Requirement: Swimmers must complete their final stroke cycle as they touch the wall. Interrupting the stroke prematurely can lead to disqualification.
• Common Mistake: Finishing without a complete stroke cycle or pausing mid-stroke before touching the wall.
• Quick Tip: Focus on executing a full stroke into the wall, timing it so the last arm movement leads directly into the touch.

5. Common Disqualifications in Breaststroke Turns and Finishes

Knowing the most frequent mistakes can help swimmers avoid disqualification and improve race performance.

Incorrect Hand Position or One-Handed Touch

• Cause: Rushing the turn or finish can lead to incomplete or uneven hand placement.
• Solution: Practice two-hand touch drills to build consistency and accuracy, ensuring both hands contact the wall at the same time.

Pausing or Stopping During the Turn

• Cause: Lack of control in transitioning from touch to push-off can lead to hesitation, breaking the fluid motion required.
• Solution: Focus on touch-and-turn drills to improve the flow of movement and build confidence in smooth turns.

Failure to Complete the Stroke Before the Wall

• Cause: Misjudging the distance to the wall or mistiming the approach.
• Solution: Count strokes consistently during training and practice timing your final stroke, aiming for a full cycle into the wall.

Conclusion

Mastering the rules for breaststroke turns and finishes requires precision, body control, and accurate timing. By practicing correct hand placement, body positioning, and smooth transitions, swimmers can ensure compliance and perform effective turns and finishes that meet competitive standards. Through regular drills and attention to timing, swimmers will gain confidence in their technique, minimizing disqualification risks and enhancing overall performance.

FAQs

1. Why is a simultaneous two-hand touch required for breaststroke turns and finishes?
   • This rule ensures fairness and consistency across all swimmers, preventing one-handed or uneven touches that may offer an advantage.
2. How can I avoid gliding too long before the finish?
   • Focus on stroke timing and count strokes in training to develop a feel for the wall’s distance, minimizing the need for gliding.
3. What happens if I touch the wall unevenly with my hands?
   • An uneven or one-handed touch can lead to disqualification, as both hands must make simultaneous contact with the wall.
4. Are there specific drills to help with legal turns and finishes in breaststroke?
   • Yes, two-hand touch drills and smooth turn-and-go drills can improve timing and body control, helping swimmers perform legal turns and finishes.
5. Why is it important to maintain continuous motion during the turn?
   • Continuous motion prevents pauses that may disrupt the turn’s flow, and stopping or hesitating can lead to disqualification.