Fast Breaststroke & Backstroke Technique Camp (Ages 10 to 14)
Merkel Aquatic Center
203 S Green St,
McHenry,
IL 60050
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Introduction
Fitter & Faster is producing a 2-day swim camp for competitive swimmers ages 10 to 14 at the Merkel Aquatic Center in McHenry, Illinois on September 6 & 7, 2025! We are also producing a special competitive enrichment swim camp for swimmers ages 7 to 10, click here for more details.
FAST BREASTSTROKE & BACKSTROKE TECHNIQUE SWIM CAMP (Ages 10 to 14)
DAY 1 (Saturday, September 6): Breaststroke Technique
DAY 2 (Sunday, September 7): Backstroke Technique
Scroll down for details on the curriculum!
-> Availability in each session is limited to 24 participants to ensure the highest level learning experience.
-> SAVE when you purchase the "Entire Camp Bundle” for your swimmer.
START TIMES FOR BOTH DAYS: Check-in 12:30 PM, Camp 12:45-3:15 PM
Suggested Participants
Our top priority is to provide a world-class learning experience for all our camp participants. This camp has sessions for swimmers ages 10 to 14. Participants will range from one-year of competitive swimming experience to AAAA times and faster. If you are the parent of a swimmer under the age of 10, Click Here
Curriculum
Breaststroke and backstroke are two of the most technical strokes in swimming, requiring precise timing, body positioning, and coordination to execute efficiently. For swimmers ages 10 to 14, developing strong fundamentals in these strokes is crucial as they transition from learning technique to racing with power and consistency. Our elite clinicians will help swimmers fine-tune stroke mechanics, maximize speed and efficiency, and build confidence for competition.
DAY 1 (Saturday, September 6): BREASTSTROKE TECHNIQUE
Out of the eight finalists at the Olympic Games, you might see eight different styles of breaststroke! A swimmer's timing and ability to eliminate resistance are hallmarks of an efficient and powerful breaststroker. No matter your swimmer’s level, this session will strengthen their technique and lead to faster and more efficient breaststroke races… and faster IM’s!
- BODYLINE: A breaststroke race is going to be fastest with a proper bodyline. Even the slightest adjustment of the chin, neck, and/or back can make a huge difference. Elite breaststrokers focus on minimizing drag by “catching water” on their hands and feet as quickly as possible, so they can shoot back into a “straight bodyline” where they can glide at top speed.
- KICK: The kick creates a lot of the power in breaststroke. Swimmers need to keep their knees high in the water and snap their feet quickly around and back to create a powerful kick. Our clinicians will work with participants to strengthen their kick for the ultimate propulsion forward!
- PULL: The name of the game in breaststroke is to create as much propulsion as possible in the pull while minimizing resistance… and then quickly getting back into a straight bodyline to establish a high speed glide. Participants at this session will focus on setting up a proper "catch" and keeping their hands and elbows high on the water throughout the entire pull. The techniques your swimmer will practice will minimize resistance and enable them to maintain forward momentum for the fastest breaststroke.
- TIMING: Fast, flowing breaststroke is the result of proper timing between a swimmer’s hands and feet. Establishing proper timing in your swimmer’s breaststroke will allow for more fluidity, power and speed. Participants in this session will learn how elite swimmers time their breaststroke for ultimate efficiency and the fastest races.
DAY 2 (Sunday, September 7): BACKSTROKE TECHNIQUE
To excel in the backstroke, refining essential techniques like body line, catch, kick, and pull is essential. Swimmers will work with our Elite Clinicians during this session to finesse their skills, ensuring faster and more efficient performances in backstroke races!
- BODY LINE: A competitive swimmer’s bodyline is the key to fast swimming. The name of the game is to eliminate all extra movement of the body including even the slightest bobbing, wiggling. Participants will learn and practice proper posture and engagement of their core to have a strong foundation for better technique - creating a full-body connection for more hydrodynamic and efficient backstroke.
- ROTATION: Backstroke is fastest and most efficient when a swimmer’s body is “rotating” around their spine with each stroke. This part of swimming Backstroke has a big effect on maintaining a proper bodyline. Participants will practice activating their core muscles to form a powerful connection from head to toe with every stroke - resulting in faster backstroke!
- KICK: A swimmer’s kick is the motor behind their Backstroke! There are obviously proper and improper ways to kick which we will review at the camp. Just as important, however, is practicing the complexities of how and when swimmers need to “shift gears” in their legs to become stronger and faster racers.
- PULL: Just like in freestyle, the pull in backstroke keeps a swimmer balanced and accelerating forward. Essentially the best swimmers are creating a paddle with every stroke. The clinicians will work with participants to establish an early vertical forearm “the catch”, enabling the swimmer to put immediate pressure back on the water. Properly completing the stroke keeps the swimmer moving forward efficiently and fast.
ASK QUESTIONS
Swimmers and parents are invited to ask the clinicians questions during a Q&A session. Gain insight into their training regimen, diet and nutrition, and recovery tactics.
WATCH THE CLINICIANS
Observe clinicians swim at full speed and demonstrate a progression of perfectly executed drills to achieve powerful, efficient and fast swimming.
PUT YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST
Throughout the camp, swimmers will practice what they've learned with some of the world's most elite Swimmer Clinicians and coaches!
Take a photo, get autographs, and chat with your clinicians!
Inquisitive, Educated Swimmers are Faster Swimmers! Sign up today!
