Constraints are one of the most powerful tools for breaststroke...
Andrew Sheaff@AndrewKSheaff
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Mar 02, 2026
~1 min read
1
Constraints are one of the most powerful tools for breaststroke skill development in group settings.
Practice time is limited.
Coaching attention is limited.
Communication with each swimmer on every length is impossible.
Constraints help solve that problem.
Practice time is limited.
Coaching attention is limited.
Communication with each swimmer on every length is impossible.
Constraints help solve that problem.
2
Stroke counts are a great option for breaststroke because they create built-in technical accountability.
Swimmers have clear goals and get clear feedback on every repetition.
They learn to create more propulsion with each pull and each kick.
Swimmers have clear goals and get clear feedback on every repetition.
They learn to create more propulsion with each pull and each kick.
3
They learn to get longer by reducing drag.
They learn to adjust timing to hit different stroke count goals.
All of that can happen without constant instructions.
Effective constraints turn every length into a technical opportunity, even in a crowded group setting.
They learn to adjust timing to hit different stroke count goals.
All of that can happen without constant instructions.
Effective constraints turn every length into a technical opportunity, even in a crowded group setting.
4
Constraints make better breaststrokers and make practice more effective for everyone.
5
Stroke RATE is one of the best ways to help swimmers learn to create stroke LENGTH.
How?
Using a tempo trainer or similar device, give swimmers a slightly slower stroke rate than normal, and ask them to go as fast as they can.
How?
Using a tempo trainer or similar device, give swimmers a slightly slower stroke rate than normal, and ask them to go as fast as they can.