Mastering your breathing for the swim

For beginners and age groupers alike learning to breath properly when swimming is one of, if not the most, important skills you can master. The biggest issues most beginners face is breathing in the freestyle stroke. Even for veterans of the sport, breathing can be the difference between a terrible or spectacular swim. If you don’t know the correct technique and method for easy and effortless breathing in freestyle you will have a hard time.

If you are having breathing problems when swimming relax and keep it together. There is an easy solution which can be implemented right away. Below I will discuss the three keys to overcoming breathing problems in swimming.

1. Learning to breath

The most important aspect of proper breathing technique is the breath out and relax. The reason most swimmers choke on water is because they blow out all of their air too early or too late. When swimming you should breath to the side of the recovery arm and take a big breath of air. As the head enters the water, begin blowing a small amount of air out of both the nose and the mouth, basically breath normally. Continue doing this until just before you take your next breath. As you go to breath again let all your air out quickly through your nose and mouth just before you take that next breath. Remember that last sentence and your breathing problems should be fixed.

2. Proper rotation

To breath effectively it’s necessary to breath to the side. The easiest way to do this is to rotate the shoulders throughout the freestyle stroke. You should be positioned as if you are looking under your arm pit. This makes it easier to get the mouth out of the water so not as much head rotation is required. Use your body roll and momentum to help rotate your head when breathing.

Think of your self as a sailboat. A sailboat moves in in the water best when it is on its side. As you rotate with every stroke you will begin to notice that you are moving smoother through the water when on your side.

3. Stay relaxed and focused

To reach effortless swimming, not just effortless breathing, is to stay relaxed. With proper breathing, meditation and mind training you will reach your swimming nirvana and total relaxation while swimming. Too often swimmers will tense up, hyperventilate and force themselves through the water. This isn’t how to swim fast. You must stay relaxed, stay calm and allow yourself to glide through the water.

Remember to let all of your air out quickly through your nose and mouth just before you take a breath.

Use your body roll and momentum to help rotate your head when breathing, and stay relaxed and focused though out your stroke.