How Do You Get Disqualified in Breaststroke?
Breaststroke is one of the four swimming styles and is known for its unique arm and leg movements. However, it is also one of the most technical strokes, and swimmers must adhere to strict rules to avoid disqualification. Here are some common reasons why swimmers get disqualified in breaststroke:
1. Failure to touch the wall simultaneously – Swimmers must touch the wall simultaneously with both hands at the completion of each length or at the finish of the race. If one hand touches before the other, it can result in disqualification.
2. Non-simultaneous arm movements – In breaststroke, the arms must move simultaneously. If a swimmer’s arms do not move together during the stroke, it can lead to disqualification.
3. Flutter kick – Unlike other swimming styles, breaststroke requires a whip kick. If a swimmer uses a flutter kick or any other type of kick, they can be disqualified.
4. Hands not brought back simultaneously – After the arm pull, swimmers must bring their hands back to the starting position simultaneously. Failure to do so can result in disqualification.
5. Head not breaking the surface during the stroke – Swimmers must ensure that their head breaks the surface of the water after each arm pull. Failure to do so can lead to disqualification.
6. Alternating arm movements – The arm movements in breaststroke must be simultaneous. Alternating arm movements can result in disqualification.
7. Failure to touch with both hands during turns – Swimmers must touch the wall with both hands during turns. If a swimmer touches with only one hand or fails to touch altogether, they can be disqualified.
8. Not keeping the feet together during the whip kick – The whip kick in breaststroke requires the feet to be kept together. If a swimmer separates their feet or performs any other type of kick, they can be disqualified.
9. Arm recovery outside the water – The arm recovery in breaststroke must be done above the water. If a swimmer recovers their arms outside the water, it can lead to disqualification.
10. Failure to keep the body in a horizontal position – Swimmers must maintain a horizontal position throughout the stroke. If a swimmer’s body is not parallel to the water’s surface, they can be disqualified.
11. Performing butterfly kicks – Breaststroke only allows for a whip kick. If a swimmer performs butterfly kicks during the stroke, they can be disqualified.
In conclusion, breaststroke is a technical swimming style that requires swimmers to follow specific rules. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in disqualification. Swimmers must ensure simultaneous arm movements, a whip kick, proper touch at the wall, breaking the surface with the head, and maintaining a horizontal position. By understanding and practicing these rules, swimmers can compete in breaststroke events successfully.
Common Questions:
1. Can you use any kick in breaststroke?
No, breaststroke requires a whip kick. Flutter kick or any other type of kick can lead to disqualification.
2. Can you use butterfly kicks during breaststroke?
No, butterfly kicks are not allowed in breaststroke. Only a whip kick is permitted.
3. Do both hands need to touch the wall simultaneously during turns?
Yes, both hands must touch the wall at the same time during turns to avoid disqualification.
4. Can you recover your arms outside the water in breaststroke?
No, the arm recovery must be done above the water in breaststroke.
5. Is there a specific body position required in breaststroke?
Yes, swimmers must maintain a horizontal position throughout the stroke to avoid disqualification.
6. Can you touch the wall with only one hand in breaststroke?
No, swimmers must touch the wall simultaneously with both hands during turns and at the finish to avoid disqualification.
7. What happens if your head doesn’t break the surface during the stroke?
Failing to break the surface with the head after each arm pull can lead to disqualification.
8. Can you perform alternating arm movements in breaststroke?
No, the arms must move simultaneously in breaststroke. Alternating arm movements can result in disqualification.
9. Can you separate your feet during the whip kick in breaststroke?
No, the feet must be kept together during the whip kick in breaststroke. Separating the feet can lead to disqualification.
10. Is there a specific arm recovery motion in breaststroke?
Yes, the arms must be recovered above the water during breaststroke.
11. What happens if you perform a flutter kick in breaststroke?
Using a flutter kick or any other type of kick in breaststroke can result in disqualification.