How to Swim with Proper Breathing Technique?

Introduction

Breathing correctly is crucial for efficient, relaxed swimming and for building endurance in the water. Mastering breathing techniques not only helps prevent fatigue but also improves your rhythm and balance. This guide covers the fundamental techniques for proper breathing in swimming, focusing on timing, rhythm, and tips for breathing in different strokes.


1. Practice Breath Control on Land

Breathing control starts outside the pool. Practicing breath control on land builds your confidence and helps you get comfortable with the timing and rhythm needed for swimming.

  • Diaphragmatic Breathing:
    • Sit or lie down and place one hand on your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose, expanding your diaphragm rather than your chest, and feel your stomach rise.
    • Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your stomach fall. Practicing this deep breathing helps you make the most of each breath.
  • Controlled Exhalation:
    • Practice inhaling quickly and exhaling slowly. This technique mimics the breathing pattern needed in swimming, where you take quick breaths and exhale gradually underwater.
  • Tip: Regularly practicing diaphragmatic breathing exercises will help you stay calm and controlled when you’re in the water.

2. Master Exhalation Underwater

Proper exhalation is essential for maintaining a smooth breathing rhythm in the water. Exhaling continuously underwater helps you avoid the buildup of carbon dioxide and reduces the urge to gasp for air.

  • Blow Bubbles:
    • Submerge your face in shallow water, take a quick breath, and exhale through your nose or mouth to blow bubbles underwater. This helps you get comfortable with exhaling underwater.
  • Slow, Continuous Exhalation:
    • Instead of holding your breath, practice a slow, steady exhale. This prepares you to take in a fresh breath quickly and efficiently.
  • Use Both Mouth and Nose:
    • Exhale through both your nose and mouth to maintain a steady, controlled release. This helps prevent water from entering your nose and keeps your breathing calm.
  • Tip: Remember, exhalation should be long and steady. Practice blowing bubbles in the water as a warm-up for each swim session.

3. Breathing Technique for Freestyle

Freestyle breathing requires you to turn your head to the side during each stroke cycle, allowing you to take a quick breath without disrupting your rhythm.

  • Timing Your Breath:
    • Turn your head to the side as your hand on that side exits the water for recovery. This timing keeps your breathing smooth and in sync with your strokes.
  • Rotate with Your Body:
    • Rotate your body slightly with each stroke, using this rotation to turn your head rather than lifting it. This minimizes resistance and keeps your body aligned.
  • Breathe Every 2-3 Strokes:
    • Beginners may start by breathing every two strokes, but progressing to every three strokes (bilateral breathing) helps balance your body and strengthen both sides.
  • Tip: Keep one eye in the water as you breathe to prevent lifting your head too high, which can disrupt body position and slow you down.

4. Breathing Technique for Backstroke

Backstroke allows for natural breathing since your face is above the water. However, timing and rhythm are still important.

  • Inhale with Each Arm Stroke:
    • Practice a steady rhythm by inhaling as one arm reaches back and exhaling as the other arm pulls forward. This keeps your breathing consistent and prevents quick, shallow breaths.
  • Relax Your Head Position:
    • Keep your head steady and aligned with your body. Looking directly up prevents your hips from sinking and maintains a streamlined body position.
  • Practice Rhythmic Breathing:
    • Keep a regular rhythm, inhaling and exhaling in time with your arm strokes. Focus on staying relaxed and avoid holding your breath.
  • Tip: If water splashes onto your face, tilt your chin slightly toward your chest, which helps prevent water from entering your nose and mouth.

5. Breathing Technique for Breaststroke

Breaststroke involves lifting your head out of the water to breathe, requiring coordination with your arm and leg movements.

  • Breathe with Each Stroke:
    • Take a breath at the end of the pull phase when your head rises above water. Inhale quickly, then lower your head back down and exhale as you extend your arms forward and glide.
  • Keep Your Head Low:
    • Avoid lifting your head too high, as this can disrupt your body position and cause drag. Instead, lift your chin just above the water’s surface to breathe.
  • Exhale During the Glide:
    • As you glide forward, exhale completely through your mouth or nose underwater. This sets you up for the next quick inhale at the start of the next stroke cycle.
  • Tip: Practice keeping your breathing rhythm smooth and steady, as breaststroke’s glide phase is a natural place to rest and control your breath.

6. Breathing Technique for Butterfly

Breathing in butterfly can be challenging due to its intensity, but with proper timing, you can keep a steady rhythm without interrupting your stroke.

  • Breath Timing:
    • Lift your head to breathe during the second kick, at the end of the pull phase when your arms are at your sides. Take a quick breath, then drop your head back down as your arms come forward.
  • Keep Your Head Low:
    • Similar to breaststroke, avoid lifting your head too high. A quick breath with your chin just above the water is sufficient and helps you stay streamlined.
  • Exhale Underwater:
    • Exhale fully as your arms sweep forward and begin the next stroke. This way, you’re ready for a quick inhale at the next breath.
  • Tip: Beginners can practice breathing every second or third stroke to prevent fatigue and focus on rhythm before trying to breathe every stroke.

7. Use Drills to Improve Breathing Technique

Incorporate breathing drills to practice proper timing and rhythm. These drills help you build confidence and control over your breathing.

  • Side-Kick Drill (for Freestyle):
    • Kick on your side with one arm extended forward and your head turned to the side for breathing. This helps improve balance and breathing control while focusing on a streamlined position.
  • Bubble-Bubble-Breathe Drill (for Freestyle):
    • Swim freestyle and exhale in two short bursts, then take a breath on the third stroke. This teaches controlled exhalation and helps you establish a breathing rhythm.
  • 3-2-1 Breathing Drill:
    • Practice breathing every 3, then 2, then 1 stroke to help you get comfortable with various breathing patterns. This drill is great for building breath control and flexibility in timing.
  • Tip: Incorporate these drills regularly to make breathing feel natural and consistent in your stroke.

8. Build Endurance with Interval Training

Endurance training allows you to build lung capacity, making breathing easier and less tiring over longer distances.

  • Sprint Intervals:
    • Swim short sprints with minimal breaths, then rest. Gradually increase the distance, challenging yourself to swim longer while maintaining proper breathing technique.
  • Pyramid Sets:
    • Swim a set number of strokes per breath (like 3 strokes per breath), then increase it to 5 or 7 strokes. This builds breath control and lung capacity.
  • Tempo Breathing:
    • Swim at a moderate pace, focusing on consistent, controlled breathing with each stroke. Gradually increase the duration of your swim as your endurance improves.
  • Tip: Take breaks between intervals and focus on maintaining smooth, controlled breathing throughout each set.

Conclusion

Mastering proper breathing technique is key to swimming efficiently and comfortably, whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your endurance. By focusing on timing, practicing exhalation, and using drills, you’ll develop breathing control that enhances your rhythm and performance. Remember, good breathing technique takes practice, so be patient and enjoy the progress as you build strength and confidence in the water.

FAQs

  1. How can I stop swallowing water while swimming?
    • Keep one eye in the water when breathing in freestyle and avoid lifting your head too high. Exhale fully underwater to ensure a smooth, quick inhale.
  2. How do I prevent getting tired from breathing too often?
    • Practice slow, controlled exhalation. Breathing every 2-3 strokes allows you to pace yourself, especially in freestyle.
  3. Is it okay to hold my breath underwater while swimming?
    • Avoid holding your breath. Exhale steadily to reduce carbon dioxide buildup and maintain a smooth rhythm.
  4. How often should I practice breathing drills?
    • Incorporate breathing drills in every swim session to build confidence and improve breath control.
  5. Can proper breathing technique help me swim longer?
    • Yes! Efficient breathing conserves energy, keeps you calm, and helps you maintain endurance, allowing you to swim longer distances comfortably.
Slava Fattakhov

Slava Fattakhov

Former Professional Swimmer / Professional Swimming Coach

I enjoy every opportunity I get to coach, whether it is a national level university swimming team or a kid who just started exploring one of the greatest sports - swimming.

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