I've been working really hard on my 100 IM. I'm a relatively new swimmer and want to improve my times as much as possible before my first ever swim meet this February.
My (perceived) biggest problem in the 100 IM is getting comfortable on the breaststroke leg. After two SDK to start the fly and back I do feel i get my breath under control by the end of the backstroke, but really struggle to get a nice pull out. Sometimes, I even abandoned the pull out and surface straight into the stroke. Then, once I get into the stroke, I feel like I am breathing too often, but not getting any air - almost like hyperventilating.
Does this mean I am going out too hard on fly and/or back. Any drills, sets, focuses to work on to help this? Thanks for any suggestions.
Parents
Former Member
Speaking as someone whose back & *** times have been very similar until something clicked only a few months ago, you might find this helpful....or not....
I consider back my weakest stroke and like you on the IM I would be short on breath on the *** pull out due to the panicked, thrashing nature of my backstroke, and then lose the plot on ***, which is my 3rd stroke anyway!
Weird as it may sound working on my backstroke actually "improved" my breaststroke leg. Really kicking hard and getting into a good breathing and armstroke pattern meant that I actually knew how many strokes it would take to do the back length, so I could prepare for a big breath in before starting the ***. Then once you get a good pull out you're in your rhythm.
Always go out fast, my theory is that no matter how shattered you are at 75, you always have enough left for 1 length free.
FTR I do a 1.12, so I'm not super fast either.
Speaking as someone whose back & *** times have been very similar until something clicked only a few months ago, you might find this helpful....or not....
I consider back my weakest stroke and like you on the IM I would be short on breath on the *** pull out due to the panicked, thrashing nature of my backstroke, and then lose the plot on ***, which is my 3rd stroke anyway!
Weird as it may sound working on my backstroke actually "improved" my breaststroke leg. Really kicking hard and getting into a good breathing and armstroke pattern meant that I actually knew how many strokes it would take to do the back length, so I could prepare for a big breath in before starting the ***. Then once you get a good pull out you're in your rhythm.
Always go out fast, my theory is that no matter how shattered you are at 75, you always have enough left for 1 length free.
FTR I do a 1.12, so I'm not super fast either.
