When I swim freestyle I usually breath once every four stroke. If I breath every other stroke I feel lots of pressure on my left side( I breath to my right). Is this because of my poor breath technique?
It is probably more a case of stroke technique and body position, rather than breathing technique.
You may be picking up your head too much or not rolling enough or a variety of other causes. If you have a coach, ask them to look at your stroke. If not, there are a couple of Masters programs in the Eugene area. They should be able to help you.
Alternate breathing (every 3) takes a bit to get used to. You've probably developed more flexibilty and strength by breathing to your right for so long. Stick with the alternate breathing in workout on occasion. It may be difficult at first but it will help balance out your strength over time on that side.
Originally posted by TheGoodSmith
Alternate breathing (every 3) takes a bit to get used to. You've probably developed more flexibilty and strength by breathing to your right for so long. Stick with the alternate breathing in workout on occasion. It may be difficult at first but it will help balance out your strength over time on that side.
I guess I didn't make myself very clear. I get used to breath to my right side every 4 strokes and I feel fine. However if I breath to my right side every 2 strokes, I feel choppy and lots of pressure on my left shoulder. This doen't make sense. If my tech is right, there should not be so much difference between these two cases.
Yes, I will do bibreath eventually. But before that I have to make sure that I can do right on one side. Otherwise I will ruin both sides.
I agree - this sounds like a technique problem. Although I do not really understand when the pressure appears and where. Pressure, if it hurts, should always be avoided.
Where I train it is common that your stroke looks a bit different when breathing every 4th stroke compared to every 2nd. It sure does for me. I do however prefer every 2nd - it gives my swimming a certain rythm, that all these more "balanced" breathings never can do. Of course my balance is not the same and rotation will have room for improvement... ;o)
But every 4th should give you more time to really find your balance and work through your rotation.
