take a breather!

I suspect that this poll was originally freestyle specific. I am a butterflyer and I will choose to respond as a butterflyer. I did not cast a vote because of above. In a 50m race, I will take as few breaths as possible. My best times (scm) have been with only the single breath at the turn. In a 100m race, I will breath every 2-3 strokeswith most of the 2 stroke breathing in the second 50. In a 200, I will breath every 1-3 strokes. I will breath from directly to my left to directly in front and all spots in between. I don't consciously try to control exactly where I breath it just happens and it feels natural.

It really depends on what I'm doing.

I breathe every 4, although I'm trying to learn to breathe more often. I recently struggled through a set of 400's, and our (sometimes) coach, who happened to be watching, said that I'm not breathing often enough. Could this really be substantially affecting my performance ? The thing is, when I breathe more often--even every 3d stroke (to each side), I really feel myself slow down. The only way I can seem to keep my speed up is to breathe every 4th stroke. I guess I need to figure out how to breathe "better." Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how often the top swimmers breathe? I remember watching the World Champs and trying to pay attention to Phelps' breathing; it seemed like he was breathing every other stroke...?

Every three in general. Less on sprints. I'm suprised at all the people who only breathe on one side or breathe every two; my coach would have a conniption.

I was taught to breathe every three and it's become a habit. The only time I vary it is for short (25-50) sprints, when I try to breathe as a little as possible. Generally, though, every third is a comfortable rhythm for me.

I have always breathed to the same side every stroke & my coach finally told me to start breathing on the other side for better stroke & so I wouldn't be lopsided. Now I am trying the other side every 3. I am still having issues w/ coming into & out of turns though so not to be comletely out of breath.

every single stroke - distance person here - I have to breathe. However, I am stuck breathing to my left side and I'm trying to balance out my stroke by learning to breathe to the right.

Originally posted by Conniekat8 Every three, change sides, unless I'm sprinting, out of breath, or doing drills. We did some breath control drills the other day in practice, and breating on the same side all the time goofs me up. It must be that European thing, I like to waltz... 1..2..3... 1..2..3... I like that connie! I also enjoy waltzing.. unless of course I'm out of breath on a hard set or sprinting etc.... :)