When I swim the crawl (freestyle) I breathe on my right side. I have tried to breathe on my left side but can not seem to be able to turn far enough. I have seen some swimmers who breathe left and right side and do it very smoothly in a 1 2 3 4 breathe stroke rhythm. I useually breathe on the right side with a 1 2 stroke rhythm and sometimes on 1 2 3 4. I wonder if the proper way is to use the left right breathing rhythm and how do the fastest swimmers breathe all on one side or both? True I swim for exercise but it is still fun to learn new things to better my stroke.
Former Member
Try breathing every third stroke - bilaterally. It'll be really weird for the first month - like learning to write with your non dominant hand. However it's worth it - you'll even out your stroke tremendously.
As a drill, try 100s like this:
1st length: breathe only on your left (or non dominant side)\
2nd: breathe bilaterally, every third stroke
3rd: breathe only on your left
4th: breathe bilaterally
Another drill is a TI drill - kick with your dominant side breathing arm extended, and your other arm at your side (practice stretching). Your non dominant shoulder should be rolled towards the ceiling. Breathe on your non dominant side, emphasizing turning your head (not your whole body) to breathe.
Good luck!:)
1 2 3 left ..1 2 3 right. I will give it a try..did not think about a third
stroke! Thanks! My left arm is weak for some reason and Its hard to turn left but I think its because its a new to my body. Thinking about it now going thur some dry land strokes it makes sense!
