At just 17 years old Nick Mahabir is the first Singaporean to go under 1:00 in the 100 Long Course Meter Breaststroke. He lives in San Diego, CA and will attend the University of California Berkeley this fall to add to an already stellar program. We recently had the opportunity to work with Nick and are astounded at his anatomical tools for breaststroke. Nick has only recently began taking swimming seriously after COVID forced him away from Water Polo. Using our velocity meter and smart paddle technology we tested Nick’s breaststroke. The first tests we did were to find out his optimal kick rate for breaststroke. Using a kickboard, tempo trainer and snorkel we tested 3 kick rates. This is key to finding the optimal stroke rate in breaststroke and Nick showed us some interesting results. Learn how Nick did in our test of 3 key kick rates in breaststroke.
2 thoughts on “Breaststroke – Nick Mahabir Kick Rate”
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Thank you Nolan! I believe the key is to maintain peak velocity as you increase Kick Rate. Being aware of how high the heals lift and pointed toe lift at the end is also key. For teaching purposes, skill first, kick rate second? I imagine a slower kick rate will also effect the ability to manage the kick mechanics as, too slow KR will allow feet to drop down. Is 45 kick rate a good place to start and increase from here. I do understand that your testing is truly the only way to see what is best. I appreciate the knowledge that you all share!
Hey Sandra – you’re absolutely right… get them doing it correctly first at a low stroke rate & then push it up. However when it comes specifically to drawing the heels, I have had success doing “overtempo” work with people who really struggle to NOT bring the heels all the way up because the ridiculously fast tempo doesn’t allow them time to draw up too far. Also note that those with poor hip internal rotation & ankle pronation may need to draw the heels up further than Nick does in order to get any sort of meaningful propulsion. In terms of where to start, a 45 KR with maximum propulsion would be a good place… we’d expect to see most get faster until around the 55-65 range then drop off. Some with very fast Kick Cycle times will continue to speed up into the 70-80 range! Hope this helps & thanks for your comment 👍