Breast Stroke Elementary
The breast stroke is distinctly an elementary stroke, and until a swimmer masters the over-arm side or the double over-arm strokes he cannot be classed as a first-class performer in the water, as these modern and up-to-date methods are now recognized by all first-class swimmers throughout the world, both for record-making performances as well as for all-around swimming ability. These strokes have been experimented with and brought to a state of high proficiency in recent years by expert swimmers, and are practical and useful in all kinds of water and under every possible condition, requiring the least energy and giving the best results, with little lost motion.
Before describing the over-arm side stroke, we wish to emphasize the fact that the idea is to have a power working continuously on the water, for as the over-arm is being drawn through the water the legs are drawn up and the under-arm is shot forward, and when the over arm extends the legs are brought together, and the body moves through the water with a continuous run, and, when the stroke is properly timed, or the swimmer acquires the alternative action, he glides along quick and fast from the power of each stroke, without much loss of pace. It matters not which side the swimmer lies on, as the side that comes most natural will be found to be the better side, although some people, being ambidextrous, can swim as easy on one side as the other.