I was watching the duel in the pool USA v Australia and I have a question, Michael Phelps and many others seem to breath on only one side, I have heard many coaches advocate breathing on both sides for a more balanced stroke, Is it now just a preference or what? Just wondering.
Parents
Former Member
I have always been told to practice breathing to both sides, but in races do whatever comes natural or feels better. Breathing on both sides evens out your stroke so that one shoulder does not get more overworked than the other...in fact, my shoulder injury originated because I practiced 6000+ yards a day and only breathed to one side. Now I do a 3-2-3-2 breathing pattern during practice and in long races, but in sprints I still breath only to one side. Some coaches like you to breath to both sides during meets simply because it allows you to see both sides of you--and track anyone who is pulling ahead and so such.
I have always been told to practice breathing to both sides, but in races do whatever comes natural or feels better. Breathing on both sides evens out your stroke so that one shoulder does not get more overworked than the other...in fact, my shoulder injury originated because I practiced 6000+ yards a day and only breathed to one side. Now I do a 3-2-3-2 breathing pattern during practice and in long races, but in sprints I still breath only to one side. Some coaches like you to breath to both sides during meets simply because it allows you to see both sides of you--and track anyone who is pulling ahead and so such.
