I've been trying to reduce my distance per stroke for the last three months but whatever I do, I can't break the 18 strokes per 25 meter barrier. I stretch, I pull etc, but I just can't get there.
I think it may be because I'm not getting enough power out of the left side...I'm right handed and therefore tend to use that side of my body for the most power...any suggestions?
-dd
Alex -
Your last observation is about the number of breathes is what leads to so many thoughts on breathing patterns.
The quick answer to your question is "YES" - 4-5 breathes per length (25 yards) is sufficient if the swimmer really breathes properly. I take 11-13 strokes per 25 in practice and races, breathe every 3 throughout a 1650 (18:16 @ 45 yrs old), and get 4-5 breaths per length.
The secret is proper exhaling. Many swimmers do not exhale nearly hard enough and concentrate instead on inhaling. Good breathing starts with a very long, complete exhale. Longer strokes and breathign every 3 facilitates this. This expels carbon dioxide (which triggers the breathing reflex) and creates more vacuum in the lungs. The inhale portion of the cycle can actually be quite short if the exhale is done well.
Longer stroke distance coupled with longer, streamline push-offs has also led me to abandon the doctrine of taking 2-3 strokes after the turn before breathing. If you are breaking out at the 6-7 yard mark and taking only 12-13 strokes per length, you need the breath out of the turn for the longer races.
Fewer strokes per length starts with a longer stroke and a longer push-off. Streamlining with kicking or swimming uses less energy and is faster than kicking and pulling right off the turn.
As an aside, my breathing improved greatly when I started wearing a body suit. The tightness of the suit around my chest forced me to concentrate on breathing. So, besides the slimming factor of the body suits, I became more aware of exhaling properly.
Good Luck
Paul WIndrath
Alex -
Your last observation is about the number of breathes is what leads to so many thoughts on breathing patterns.
The quick answer to your question is "YES" - 4-5 breathes per length (25 yards) is sufficient if the swimmer really breathes properly. I take 11-13 strokes per 25 in practice and races, breathe every 3 throughout a 1650 (18:16 @ 45 yrs old), and get 4-5 breaths per length.
The secret is proper exhaling. Many swimmers do not exhale nearly hard enough and concentrate instead on inhaling. Good breathing starts with a very long, complete exhale. Longer strokes and breathign every 3 facilitates this. This expels carbon dioxide (which triggers the breathing reflex) and creates more vacuum in the lungs. The inhale portion of the cycle can actually be quite short if the exhale is done well.
Longer stroke distance coupled with longer, streamline push-offs has also led me to abandon the doctrine of taking 2-3 strokes after the turn before breathing. If you are breaking out at the 6-7 yard mark and taking only 12-13 strokes per length, you need the breath out of the turn for the longer races.
Fewer strokes per length starts with a longer stroke and a longer push-off. Streamlining with kicking or swimming uses less energy and is faster than kicking and pulling right off the turn.
As an aside, my breathing improved greatly when I started wearing a body suit. The tightness of the suit around my chest forced me to concentrate on breathing. So, besides the slimming factor of the body suits, I became more aware of exhaling properly.
Good Luck
Paul WIndrath
