Chasing the wave
In the wave breaststroke technique, the trajectory of the shoulder is symmetrical wave type. In other words, the waves rise and fall in a symmetrical shape, with no sudden drop after breathing.The movement of the legs is also very critical, and it must be done at the right time with the forward movement of the upper body to complete the "cat pounce" action. If the stirrups are too late, the shoulders will sink and a groove will suddenly form in the originally symmetrical wave.
Lift the shoulders
In the traditional breaststroke technique, the arm shift is done deeper underwater, which causes more resistance. We can make the back concave by exerting appropriate force, and we can bring the upper body to the surface, with only the waist and legs remaining in the water. This makes the resistance greatly reduced. When the arms begin to reach forward, the back turns from a depression to an arch. If properly matched with the stirrups, it can produce a large propulsive force.This change in back position is very important. When the back is concave, the quick and powerful inward stroke of the hands raises the head and torso high above the water; while the upward arch of the back in conjunction with the stirrups brings the hands and body forward.
Due to the concave back, the body is lifted high enough to lunge forward and then the stirrups begin.
Stabilize the center of gravity
One key point is that there is almost no up and down in the hips during the whole action cycle. Of course, sometimes up and down is inevitable, but that is what separates the winner from the fifth place finisher in a competition. If the hips heave, the center of gravity shifts, which results in wasted work. And this difference creates a difference of 0.5 to 1 second.Technical points
1. Unlike the rhythm of "stroke - stirrup" of traditional breaststroke, the rhythm of wave breaststroke is "stroke - forward stroke - stirrup". Forward stroke is the unique feature of wave breaststroke. It occurs between the stroke and the stirrups; the hand and forearm are exactly on the horizontal plane and parallel to the water surface, reaching forward quickly.2. The back is concave at the beginning of the stroke and arm shift; the back arches up during the forward stroke.
3、The significant difference between wave breaststroke and traditional breaststroke is that the head and upper part of the torso leave the water surface when the body keeps gliding forward. The widest part of the body-the shoulders-raises the surface of the water. In addition, the shoulders are arched until they almost touch the ears, all of which help to better maintain the streamline shape of the body.
4. The forward motion is like an athlete throwing his body forward. The arching of the back helps him to generate a greater propulsive force in the forward stroke.
5、The correct timing of the stirrups is extremely critical. Start the stirrups when the arms are 3/4 of the way forward. The direction of the stirrups is directly backwards, with no downward diversion.
6. During the complete movement cycle, there is very little up and down of the hips in order to conserve energy and maintain body momentum.
