Up-to-date freestyle turn technique for left-breathers

RE: Up-to-date freestyle turn technique for left-breathers

Former Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:19:49 GMT

I breathe to the left and I have found it to be much easier when coming into the wall to breathe just before taking your second-to-last stroke into the wall and as I stroke the last time I have a hard dolphin kick to initiate the turn as well as my leading atm pulling down to my side preparing for streamline. It was tough to get this down but it works, the turn is quite quick and gets me off the wall with enough force that I can accelerate.

RE: Up-to-date freestyle turn technique for left-breathers

Former Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:35:03 GMT

I seem to recall reading that after the pushoff (or start) your first stroke (pull) should be done with your stronger arm so as to keep the momentum. Odds are if you're a left-side breather that your right wing is stronger (that does NOT mean that right-side breathers are mostly southpaws.....)

RE: Up-to-date freestyle turn technique for left-breathers

cantwait4bike — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 09:42:57 GMT

Terry, thanks for the tips!! will try them out.

RE: Up-to-date freestyle turn technique for left-breathers

Former Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:53:30 GMT

Fred, in my coaching opinion I would say to try to learn it as best as possible, but if it doesn't "click" then go for what is more comfortable. Or, try to shorten up the dolphin kicks to make them more efficient (if possible) and less of a strain on you/your lungs. I can't really give criticism without seeing the turn, foot position, fly kick, streamline, etc. But, I can say that (based on the information you posted) it would be hard to nit-pick little things. When are you breathing prior to the beginning of the turn (flags, 1 stroke before, etc)? Also, I'm sure you already do this, but do you consistently work breathing sets?

RE: Up-to-date freestyle turn technique for left-breathers

cantwait4bike — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:32:17 GMT

I'm in the same situation, real old, left side breather, trying to master that back down push off on the flip turn and trying to get 1 full stroke in before breathing. I've come to the conclusion it can't be done with 60 year old lungs, so I just use 3 dolfin kicks, right arm stroke, then breathe on the subquent left arm stroke.

RE: Up-to-date freestyle turn technique for left-breathers

That Guy — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 04:59:43 GMT

I breathe to the left, and typically take at least 6 streamlined dolphin kicks off each wall. As a result I get winded and don't worry about breathing on my first stroke. Do whatever works best for you, even if that means doing open turns instead of flip turns. "The clock does not lie."