I've been trying to focus on my butterfly lately, and I really seem to have a problem getting a breathing pattern that works. First I had to slow down my pace, and really concentrate on my kick, but I'm still having trouble breathing. I seem to remember every 3rd stroke being a good pattern, but my brain says every 2nd would be better. Unfortunately, if I try for every other, it almost seems like I'm working harder to get my face up to catch a breath. Since our pool has just little ropes with floats, it really takes some doing to get above the waves and I'm trying to break myself of the side breathing habit.
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Former Member
I've been trying to focus on my butterfly lately, and I really seem to have a problem getting a breathing pattern that works.... ...if I try for every other, it almost seems like I'm working harder to get my face up to catch a breath.... ...and I'm trying to break myself of the side breathing habit.
For me the maximum point of power for fly comes at the moment before I breathe. The pull is finishing, and so is the big kick. The body is at its fullest point of extension, with the greatest forward thrust. You are “cracking the whip” so-to-speak. If you very carefully study some vids of some super swimmers you will see this.
At this point, keeping the body as flat as possible in the water, with the hips high, and still being able to breathe has been quite a challenge for me. But this is the technique that has allowed me to breathe with whatever pattern I choose, which is usually every pull, or every other pull, depending on how winded I am.
I tried side breathing very early on in my study/practice of fly and quickly dropped it. It threw me way off balance. I just recently tried some side breaths again after about 3 years of not even thinking about it and I was able to do it without throwing off my balance in the water too much. I can see now why some swimmers may prefer this method. I need to work on it more to be sure if it is right for me however.
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Former Member
I've been trying to focus on my butterfly lately, and I really seem to have a problem getting a breathing pattern that works.... ...if I try for every other, it almost seems like I'm working harder to get my face up to catch a breath.... ...and I'm trying to break myself of the side breathing habit.
For me the maximum point of power for fly comes at the moment before I breathe. The pull is finishing, and so is the big kick. The body is at its fullest point of extension, with the greatest forward thrust. You are “cracking the whip” so-to-speak. If you very carefully study some vids of some super swimmers you will see this.
At this point, keeping the body as flat as possible in the water, with the hips high, and still being able to breathe has been quite a challenge for me. But this is the technique that has allowed me to breathe with whatever pattern I choose, which is usually every pull, or every other pull, depending on how winded I am.
I tried side breathing very early on in my study/practice of fly and quickly dropped it. It threw me way off balance. I just recently tried some side breaths again after about 3 years of not even thinking about it and I was able to do it without throwing off my balance in the water too much. I can see now why some swimmers may prefer this method. I need to work on it more to be sure if it is right for me however.
