This refers to the long axis strokes. I know many (including myself) have better strokes on one side than the other (the latter is often the breathing side), but I wonder how predominant this case is among master swimmers. Also interesting would be whether some have been able to correct this problem through either drills or sheer hard effort.
If every 3 isn't enough air--take two breaths on one side then two on the other.... It's nice to have the option to breathe on either side, though.
No question, if you can breathe to both sides, more power to you, and the 2-3-2 pattern works fine when you need more air -- assuming you actually get any when breathing to your off-side. I just question whether this is a particular trick you need to teach to all old dogs. If you swam as an age grouper and learned to breathe to both sides I suspect it's no big deal. One-arm drills, the occasional pull sets where you breathe every 3, 5, 7, or 9 (!), fine. I don't think people should be disappointed if they can't master the technique or need more air, nor do I think coaches should insist on bilateral breathing. Me, I'd rather consciously focus more on my off-side arm, rolling from the hips, etc than using bilateral breathing as a proxy for those things.
I guess what I'm saying is that bilateral breathing won't magically make your stroke symmetrical. You still need to think about your body position, your catch, high elbows, relaxed recovery, etc.
S
If every 3 isn't enough air--take two breaths on one side then two on the other.... It's nice to have the option to breathe on either side, though.
No question, if you can breathe to both sides, more power to you, and the 2-3-2 pattern works fine when you need more air -- assuming you actually get any when breathing to your off-side. I just question whether this is a particular trick you need to teach to all old dogs. If you swam as an age grouper and learned to breathe to both sides I suspect it's no big deal. One-arm drills, the occasional pull sets where you breathe every 3, 5, 7, or 9 (!), fine. I don't think people should be disappointed if they can't master the technique or need more air, nor do I think coaches should insist on bilateral breathing. Me, I'd rather consciously focus more on my off-side arm, rolling from the hips, etc than using bilateral breathing as a proxy for those things.
I guess what I'm saying is that bilateral breathing won't magically make your stroke symmetrical. You still need to think about your body position, your catch, high elbows, relaxed recovery, etc.
S
