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.
I used to breathe strictly to the right. Since making a concerted effort to bilateral breathe about 5-7 years ago it now feels almost as comfortable to breathe to both sides. I also have less shoulder issues with the left shoulder (which used to get cranked pretty hard because I rested too much of my body weight on it when breathing).
In practice, I am nearly 100% bilateral breathing, using a 2 right, 2 left pattern. In all-out practice sprints or in a race though(especially 100 yds or less) I'll default to right only.
I used to breathe strictly to the right. Since making a concerted effort to bilateral breathe about 5-7 years ago it now feels almost as comfortable to breathe to both sides. I also have less shoulder issues with the left shoulder (which used to get cranked pretty hard because I rested too much of my body weight on it when breathing).
In practice, I am nearly 100% bilateral breathing, using a 2 right, 2 left pattern. In all-out practice sprints or in a race though(especially 100 yds or less) I'll default to right only.
