I've watched a lot of swimmers in elite competition in for instance 1500m who breathe every stroke. However when I swim distance I still have to use bilateral breathing. I've tried breathing every stroke like they do, but I find myself getting light headed. What's the best way to learn to control your breathing to do long distance well? Thanks,
David
Parents
Former Member
I have wondered about this, too. I'm sure it's a common question.
I agree with both of you: I agree that breathing bilaterally helps my stroke. But I also agree that I race better without restricting my oxygen unnecessarily.
My solution is to do the majority of my practice yards breathing bilaterally, switching to breathe every two strokes only when the pace gets fast enough that breathing every 3 would limit my ability to hold the speed. Then in a race, I breathe every two. Those 1650 yards of lopsided breathing aren't going to destroy my stroke, but the lack of oxygen would hurt my time.
So no, I don't practice like I race. I guess the bilateral breathing in practice is like a constant, low-grade drill.
I have wondered about this, too. I'm sure it's a common question.
I agree with both of you: I agree that breathing bilaterally helps my stroke. But I also agree that I race better without restricting my oxygen unnecessarily.
My solution is to do the majority of my practice yards breathing bilaterally, switching to breathe every two strokes only when the pace gets fast enough that breathing every 3 would limit my ability to hold the speed. Then in a race, I breathe every two. Those 1650 yards of lopsided breathing aren't going to destroy my stroke, but the lack of oxygen would hurt my time.
So no, I don't practice like I race. I guess the bilateral breathing in practice is like a constant, low-grade drill.
