Swimming Skills: Faster Breaststroke, Cardio and Health Benefits

Swimming the breaststroke and backstroke efficiently depends on specific muscle engagement and stroke technique. Learn about the cardio benefits of lap swimming and the essential rules to avoid disqualification.

Young girl in goggles swimming breaststroke stroke style

The Breaststroke & How to Swim Faster

Published Sep,14 2011 | By Elizabeth Falwell

Of the four competition strokes in swimming -- backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle -- breaststroke is the slowest. For example, the world record for the men's 100-meter breaststroke is just 58.46, while the world record for the men's 100-meter freestyle is 46.9.