How to dq in breaststroke

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: In breaststroke, a DQ (disqualification) occurs when a swimmer fails to perform the stroke according to the rules. Common reasons include an illegal kick, an illegal pull, not touching the wall with both hands simultaneously during turns and finishes, or not keeping the body on the breast. Understanding these rules is crucial for competitive swimmers.

Key Facts

A breaststroke DQ can happen due to an illegal kick, such as a scissor kick or a whip kick that is not performed correctly.
Failure to touch the wall with both hands simultaneously at the turn and finish is a common cause for disqualification.
The body must remain on the breast throughout the stroke, except during a turn.
The arms must pull simultaneously underwater, and the hands must not break the surface of the water during the pull, except for the final stroke into the wall.
The head must break the surface of the water at least once during each complete cycle of the stroke, except for the first stroke after the start and each turn.

Overview

Breaststroke is one of the four swimming strokes recognized in competitive swimming. It is characterized by its simultaneous arm pulls and frog-like leg kick. While it can be the slowest of the competitive strokes, it is also one of the most physically demanding due to the coordinated effort required. For swimmers participating in competitions, understanding the specific rules governing breaststroke is paramount to avoid disqualification (DQ).

Understanding Breaststroke Rules to Avoid Disqualification

The Kick

The breaststroke kick is perhaps the most commonly misunderstood and executed part of the stroke, leading to frequent DQs. The official rules, as defined by FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation), the international governing body for swimming, state that during the propulsive phase of the kick, the feet must be turned outwards. The movement should be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane. A whip kick is permissible, where the legs move backward and then snap forward, but it must still be performed with both legs moving together and symmetrically. A common infraction is the 'scissor kick,' where one leg moves forward and the other backward, breaking the symmetry and horizontal plane requirement. Another is a flutter kick or a dolphin kick, which are illegal in breaststroke. The knees must also remain in line with the body; they cannot break out to the sides excessively.

The Pull

The arm movement in breaststroke is also governed by specific rules. Both arms must move in the same horizontal plane, simultaneously. The hands must be pulled forward together from the breast, under, and backward. Crucially, the hands must not break the surface of the water during the arm pull, except for the final stroke into the wall during a turn or at the finish. This means that swimmers cannot perform a 'windmill' or 'over-the-water' recovery of their arms. After the pull, the arms recover forward under the water. The hands should be forced forward together, and the shoulders must be kept in line with the water surface.

Body Position

The rules stipulate that the body must remain on the breast throughout the stroke. This means that swimmers should not roll onto their back during the stroke, except for the brief moment during a turn. While the head can go underwater during the stroke cycle, it must break the surface of the water at least once during each complete cycle. The only exceptions to this are the first stroke after the start and the first stroke after each turn, where the head is not required to break the surface. Maintaining a relatively flat body position on the breast helps with efficiency and is a fundamental aspect of the stroke.

Turns and Finishes

The most critical rule for turns and finishes in breaststroke is the simultaneous two-hand touch. Both hands must touch the wall at the same time, at the same level, whether during a turn or when finishing the race. The touch does not have to be at shoulder level, but it must be simultaneous. Swimmers cannot touch the wall with only one hand, or with their feet, or by performing a roll before touching. After the touch, the swimmer can perform a single dolphin kick or a single breaststroke kick underwater before resurfacing and commencing the next stroke. The body must remain on the breast after the turn, and the arms must be brought forward together underwater.

Common Disqualification Scenarios Summarized

Illegal Kick: Scissoring, flutter kicking, dolphin kicking, or not performing the whip kick symmetrically.
Illegal Pull: Arms not moving simultaneously, breaking the surface of the water during the pull (except as permitted), or recovering arms over the water.
Body Position: Rolling onto the back during the stroke (except during a turn).
Turns/Finishes: Not touching the wall with both hands simultaneously, or touching with only one hand.
Head Position: Failure for the head to break the surface at least once per cycle (except for start/turn exceptions).

For swimmers aspiring to compete, it is highly recommended to practice breaststroke under the guidance of a qualified coach who can provide feedback on technique and adherence to the rules. Watching professional swimmers and studying instructional videos can also be beneficial. Familiarity with the official rulebook is essential for serious competitors.