I've been reading past posts and threads on breathing bilaterally. We have a wealth of information here on the pros and cons. I've decided I want to breathe to both sides, but am having some problems getting there.
When I'm fresh, I think I'm doing ok. I feel like I'm rolling enough that I'm not turning my head too much and grabbing a nice breath, weak and strong side alike.
When I begin to tire, my weak side breathing falls apart. I feel like I'm sinking - I know I am, because I'm lifting my head up to catch a quick unsatisfying breath that's half water. I can feel that my arm is dropping as I'm pushing my head out of the water. I know my hips are sinking too: I noticed when I did a short set with a pull-bouy today after tiring, I felt like I had all the time in the world to breath on my weak side.
I would like your thoughts on (1) what is breaking down on me, where the weaknesses are and (2) other than keeping at it with the hopes of getting stronger, is there anything specifically I can attend to or any drills to help me isolate the problems.
Even if you just tell me that the struglle is all part of the process, I'll be grateful for any feedback you can provide. Many thanks - Barb
This is a topic I talk about at every clinic I give or every private lesson I have with swimmers who are either trying to bilateral breath or are doing it and are having problems with the skill. First off I teach in Utah and most of the pools are a mile high, so we have less oxygen to start with, so my thoughts might not be as accurate for those who swim at sea level.
I think bilateral breathing is great for teaching a balanced stroke. Making your weak side just as strong technically as your strong is alway a good idea!!
As for distance swimmers, I believe that bilateral breathing is not so good. I would almost bet from all the posts here that most people are losing their technique and ability to maintain the skill because they are no longer swimming aerobically. Lets look at this from a stroke count point of view. If someone take 20 strokes per length and breathe to one side they will take 10 breathes. If they breathe every three they will take appoximately 7 breathes per length, which is a 30% reduction in air. Overtime this will eventually lead to fatique and bad technique.
My suggestion to most swimmers is to use bilateraly breathing as a tool to help improve your stroke, a drill if you like. If your swimming long distances, remember that oxygen is good and that you need as much as possible. Good luck with this!!!
This is a topic I talk about at every clinic I give or every private lesson I have with swimmers who are either trying to bilateral breath or are doing it and are having problems with the skill. First off I teach in Utah and most of the pools are a mile high, so we have less oxygen to start with, so my thoughts might not be as accurate for those who swim at sea level.
I think bilateral breathing is great for teaching a balanced stroke. Making your weak side just as strong technically as your strong is alway a good idea!!
As for distance swimmers, I believe that bilateral breathing is not so good. I would almost bet from all the posts here that most people are losing their technique and ability to maintain the skill because they are no longer swimming aerobically. Lets look at this from a stroke count point of view. If someone take 20 strokes per length and breathe to one side they will take 10 breathes. If they breathe every three they will take appoximately 7 breathes per length, which is a 30% reduction in air. Overtime this will eventually lead to fatique and bad technique.
My suggestion to most swimmers is to use bilateraly breathing as a tool to help improve your stroke, a drill if you like. If your swimming long distances, remember that oxygen is good and that you need as much as possible. Good luck with this!!!
