THE START

The breaststroke start is performed almost exactly like the freestyle start (see Chapter 7). The only difference comes after you enter the water. Because in the breaststroke you are allowed to take a complete pull and kick under the water, let yourself dive a little deeper than you do in the freestyle.

The rest of the sequence is exactly like the breaststroke turn: glide, then pull down, using a keyhole pattern. Glide again. Then bring your arms forward as you kick, angling toward the surface. As your head breaks the surface, you are ready to take your first stroke. If you do this properly, you will travel more than half the length of the pool before taking your first stroke on the surface.