I am trying to learn to breathe on both sides while doing freestyle. I have been breathing on the right side since I started swimming 20 yrs ago, and old habits are hard to break.. no matter how much I try I end up lifting my head way out of the water and/or swallowing water when I try to breathe on the left. Do any of you know any way I can learn to breathe on the left quickly? It will GREATLY improve my triathlon swimming.. it seems breathing on both sides provides a perfect interval between breaths and also allows better form as I would have to roll exactly the same way on both sides. It also allows better lateral vision so in open water I can stay on course easier. thanks for any advice you can provide.
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Former Member
Excellent post! When I started back swimming 2 months ago, I had the exact same problem. Then my left shoulder became sore and I chalked it up to incorrect form and breathing only on my right side.
Here is what I did and it really has helped. I read Total Immersion and did alot of drills. Also, just the basic drills used by all coaches.
I also did what Anna suggested and would breath on the left for one length of the pool and then on the right for the length back.
I have now developed the habit of breathing every 3rd stroke. You just have to keep practicing.
I felt the best drill was kicking on your side. Face down, on your side, one arm at your side out of the water, the other arm stretched out in front - count of 4 then switch to the other side.
Also, I was surprised, but the finger tip drag drill was awesome too. I don't really know why it helped with the rotation and breathing, but it did.
Good luck!
Excellent post! When I started back swimming 2 months ago, I had the exact same problem. Then my left shoulder became sore and I chalked it up to incorrect form and breathing only on my right side.
Here is what I did and it really has helped. I read Total Immersion and did alot of drills. Also, just the basic drills used by all coaches.
I also did what Anna suggested and would breath on the left for one length of the pool and then on the right for the length back.
I have now developed the habit of breathing every 3rd stroke. You just have to keep practicing.
I felt the best drill was kicking on your side. Face down, on your side, one arm at your side out of the water, the other arm stretched out in front - count of 4 then switch to the other side.
Also, I was surprised, but the finger tip drag drill was awesome too. I don't really know why it helped with the rotation and breathing, but it did.
Good luck!
