Switching from every 3 to every 2/4?

Former Member
Former Member
Hi all, I've been following the USMS forums for a while now and just registered. I swam USMS in grad school as a 24 year old and now swim masters (age group B!) in South America. I love swimming down here but most coaches are about 10 years behind in technique/innovation, so I basically rely on friends who are coaches in the US and swim sites to stay up to date. It's pretty obvious that elite mid and long-distance swimmers breathe every cycle now, but have any of you forced yourselves to break a 3-5 habit and start to breathe every 2? I was taught to ALWAYS breathe every 3-5 and after 20-some years of that, I'm wondering if it's worth it in a race (specifically 200, 400/500). FWIW, I have major rotator cuff problems (who doesn't?!) with my right shoulder and seem to extend less with my right side than my left and am concerned breathing every cycle in practice would make that worse.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    Ryan Cochrane breathes every third. He was ranked second in the world last year in the 1500. I began breathing every third about ten years ago. My stroke became more symmetric, and my shoulder problems resolved. I train that way. Last year I swam Masters PRs in the 1500 and the 1650 breathing every third.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member over 9 years ago
    Ryan Cochrane breathes every third. He was ranked second in the world last year in the 1500. I began breathing every third about ten years ago. My stroke became more symmetric, and my shoulder problems resolved. I train that way. Last year I swam Masters PRs in the 1500 and the 1650 breathing every third.
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