In this fourth step, we want to be able to incorporate breathing into the stroke. Though it is as simple as just taking a breath, it is a challenge to incorporate the breath because the face is predominantly in the water when swimming. We also want to minimize any breaks in the body positioning while swimming, requiring great control and rhythm to fit the breath in motion with the stroke.
While the face is in the water, you want to exhale air as you swim to allow space in your lungs. Once you exhale a comfortable amount of air, turn your head to the side before taking a breath. Turn the head to the opposite side of the arm that is fully extending in front of the body. After the breath, you want to turn your head back into the water as the arm on the same side you took your breath on is reaching up for recovery.
To minimize the amount of break in the body position, we want to be able to match the timing of the breath with the specific phase of the arm. The best time to turn the head for breath is during the power phase of the pull as the arm pulls past the head. Turn the head back into the water during the arm recovery phase before the arm passes the head for the extension.
Before incorporating the breath into the stroke, practicing breathing out underwater and coming back up to breathe in one spot would be beneficial. Complete this process in a controlled and consistent manner. Once comfortable, a great way to slowly incorporate the breath into the stroke is to include it in the single-arm drill and breathe every stroke. Breathe in a rhythmic pattern every three or five strokes to promote balance.
Check out the previous tip in this series Freestyle Arms
Book a registered private lesson or group lesson for you or your child(ren) with our expert instructors or take their lessons to the next level with Canadian Swim Patrol!
By Colyn Ma
Colyn is one of the Aquatic Programmers at MacEwan University Sport and Wellness. He has been with us for over six years and has over 10 years of competitive swimming and coaching experience.
