{"id":68238,"date":"2021-09-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-22T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/uncategorized\/kickboards-fins-improve-breaststroke\/"},"modified":"2021-12-20T13:08:26","modified_gmt":"2021-12-20T12:08:26","slug":"kickboards-fins-improve-breaststroke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/training-technique\/kickboards-fins-improve-breaststroke\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need Breaststroke Fins for Training?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to implementing swim fins into your training regimen, front crawl or backstroke might seem like an obvious choice. The breaststroke is probably not one of the first swim strokes that comes to mind. But fins can be incorporated into your training to help improve your breaststroke, and you don\u2019t even need specialized breaststroke fins.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll start by explaining the difference between breaststroke fins and regular fins. Then, we\u2019ll share the benefits of using swim fins for your breaststroke training, some drills you can include in your training, and what to look out for when using fins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Breaststroke Fins vs. Regular Swim Fins<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are breaststroke fins out there that are specifically designed for swimming the breaststroke. These fins have a shorter blade and are more rounded than regular swim fins.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regular swim fins are not meant to be used while swimming breaststroke, as the resistance they provide could hurt your knee when performing the side kick. However, regular swim fins (as well as kickboards) are great for breaststroke training. When used the right way during training, fins can provide a number of benefits that will help you when swimming the breaststroke without fins.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Benefits of Using Fins for Breaststroke Training<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

When you begin to use swim fins as part of your training, the first thing you’ll notice is how quickly you\u2019re reaching the other side of the pool. The lengths simply fly by. The increased speed is staggering, and it simply adds a whole new element of fun to swimming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Try adding a center-mounted snorkel for <\/span>endless speedy swimming with no interruptions<\/span><\/a>. Training fins are also great to use alongside kickboards. This combination will really help you focus on improving strength in the legs via isolation exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n

But increased speed is just the beginning. Here are some other benefits and pros to using swim fins.<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019re a Subtle Swimming Aid<\/b><\/h3>\n

Swimming is such a low-impact and natural activity that adding any kind of accessory to your routine can initially feel like it intrudes on the purity of the movement. Training fins have come a long way, and now, thanks to improvements such as better-fitting and 100% silicone fins, you can train with a more natural feel.<\/span><\/p>\n

They Improve Your Kicks<\/b><\/h3>\n

We’ve all seen videos of free divers <\/span>effortlessly moving through the water<\/span><\/a> using fin-assisted flutter kicks. Fins help to support the naturally weakest part of your flutter kick, known as the up-kick. Giving your legs more water resistance during this movement will promote more muscle growth, which will improve your competitive swimming when you have to leave the training fins in your kit bag.<\/span><\/p>\n

But keep in mind, while swim fins are great for frontal kicks, they shouldn\u2019t be used if performing the breaststroke kick. Only breaststroke fins should be used for that motion.<\/span><\/p>\n

They Harness the Power of Resistance<\/b><\/h3>\n

When training regularly in any physical discipline, injuries are almost guaranteed. Doesn’t adding more resistance seem like it could hurt you? In other sports, at times this is definitely the case, but when using training fins, you can actually <\/span>improve ankle flexibility<\/span><\/a> while taking the strain off of your shoulders. The fins will also improve strength in your legs thanks to the increased resistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

3 Drills That Use Training Aids to Improve Your Breaststroke<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

You definitely need to improve your technique if you want to swim better breaststroke, and getting <\/span>back into the groove after a hiatus<\/span><\/a> can be tough. Let’s look at different drills you can perform using Arena\u2019s swimming aids (like fins and kickboards) that focus on your leg kick, arm stroke, and another key part of the breaststroke: the underwater arm stroke.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Leg Kick Drill<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the most important things to work on to improve your breaststroke is the leg kick. Here is a drill to help improve it that you can incorporate in your training:<\/span><\/p>\n