I have started swimming for fitness and knew when I started a couple of weeks ago the only thing I was doing right was not drowning. I bought a book "The Essential Swimmer" by Steve Tarpinian and after 2 days of reading began to notice definite improvements as I began to work on correct stroke technique. (moved through water w/ much less effort and less strokes per lap) I am having trouble with the whole breathing thing though. Should I be concentrating on getting the breathing technique correct before I put too much effort and time into perfecting other aspects of the freestyle swim. I find myself swimming 25M without taking a breath because I have so much trouble with the whole breathing thing. Please advise. Thx!
Parents
Former Member
Originally posted by bbpolhill
You might want to try working on the rhythm of breathing while holding a kickboard (for comfort) and kicking.
A kickboard is a great idea. bbpolhill is definitely right! After getting down the rhythm while just kicking, you should add in the arms - but keep the kickboard! I taught swim lessons for four years at a YMCA and found this to be one of the best learning techniques. Take a stroke, and at the point where your hand would enter the water grab the kickboard. It's easier if you hold the kickboard sideways (the width helps you grab on). Work on your breathing like this, and when you have it down, move on to something a little less buoyant. You can go from a kickboard to a noodle to a pull buoy, for example. By the time you get to the pull buoy you should have no problems - all the right muscles and rhythm will be there!
-Carrie
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SwimOutlet.com
Originally posted by bbpolhill
You might want to try working on the rhythm of breathing while holding a kickboard (for comfort) and kicking.
A kickboard is a great idea. bbpolhill is definitely right! After getting down the rhythm while just kicking, you should add in the arms - but keep the kickboard! I taught swim lessons for four years at a YMCA and found this to be one of the best learning techniques. Take a stroke, and at the point where your hand would enter the water grab the kickboard. It's easier if you hold the kickboard sideways (the width helps you grab on). Work on your breathing like this, and when you have it down, move on to something a little less buoyant. You can go from a kickboard to a noodle to a pull buoy, for example. By the time you get to the pull buoy you should have no problems - all the right muscles and rhythm will be there!
-Carrie
__________________
SwimOutlet.com
