Once swimmers have perfected the art of bubble blowing, they move onto the inhale phase of breathing where the mouth surfaces to take in air. Each of the four strokes involves a different head position when breathing; in freestyle this involves a sideways rotation, in breaststroke and butterfly a forward-facing inhale and in backstroke the head remains facing upwards.
Torpy believes there are many ways a swimmer can improve the way they inhale and exhale air. Here are Torpy’s tips for better breathing.
Freestyle Breathing
Freestyle breathing occurs as one hand is extended forward into a glide position. As the hand extends the head rotates to the side so that the mouth can take in air. The head should remain low in the water, with one of your eyes still in the water as you breath in. A common mistake made by students when taking a breath in Freestyle, is they forget to kick. This causes them to sink, making it harder for their mouth to surface. It is not easy to kick, breath and move your arms all at the same time. A trick to help you remember to kick, is to kick faster when it is time to breath.
Backstroke Breathing
Backstroke involves an upward facing position with the face clear of the water and therefore breathing should occur naturally. Some swimmers like to assist their breathing by inhaling on one arm stroke and then exhaling on the next.
Breaststroke Breathing
Inhalation in breaststroke occurs as the hands put pressure on the water at the end of the insweep, creating movement in a forwards and upwards direction. Pressure should be applied enough that the head is lifted clear of the water. Exhalation occurs when the arms stretch out into a glide position.
Butterfly Breathing
Breathing in butterfly requires a strong, explosive kick. The head begins to lift as the arms cross the halfway point in their movement from the front of the stroke to the back. As the arms begin to recover over the surface of the water, inhalation takes place. As you breathe in, the chin sits on the surface of the water and in a forward moving direction. Exhalation begins when the head returns to the water.
Next time you visit the pool try out Torpy’s tips for better breathing. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to ask our friendly Just Swimming Staff.
