Technique
Freestyle breathing: three things to notice in your next swim
When your breath feels hurried, it can be hard to notice anything else about your stroke. For adults who already swim independently, a few simple observations can help make a coaching session more specific.
Are you waiting to breathe out?
Notice whether you hold your breath underwater and then try to breathe out and in during the same turn. The U.S. Masters Swimming freestyle guide describes exhaling underwater, leaving the time at the surface for the inhale. Bring this observation to your coach rather than trying to force a new rhythm.
Does your head lift forward?
A breath can interrupt your alignment when the head lifts or pulls sideways. Notice whether you look forward before turning for air. A coach can watch how your head movement and body rotation work together, then choose a useful adjustment for you.
Does your rhythm change?
Pay attention to what happens before and after the breath. Do your arms hurry? Does the stroke briefly stop? Observe at an easy pace, with rest between lengths, rather than adding distance to test yourself. The aim is to give your coach a clear description of what you feel.
Further reading: U.S. Masters Swimming: freestyle breathing guide.
Bring one question to the pool
You do not have to arrive at a coaching session knowing what is wrong. “My breathing feels rushed after the first few strokes” is enough to start a conversation.
Breathing and coordination are part of the planned METHOD 50+ program. Henrique starts with your current swimming and works through a small number of priorities with you. Tell us what feels difficult in the contact form, and we can discuss your next step.