When swimming, you turn your head to breathe by rotating it to the side as your arm pulls through the water, keeping your face angled down otherwise.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Body Position: Maintain a streamlined body position in the water, with your face angled down toward the bottom of the pool. This helps with efficiency and reduces drag. Think of your body rotating along a central axis.
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Neck Elongation: Keep your neck elongated. This helps you maintain a streamlined position and allows for a smoother rotation when breathing.
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Arm Pull and Rotation Timing: As you complete the pull-through phase of your arm stroke (the arm that's underwater powering your forward motion), initiate the head rotation. This timing is crucial. The arm motion creates a natural body roll that assists the head turn.
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Head Rotation: Rotate your head to the side, just enough for your mouth to clear the water. Avoid lifting your head, as this will disrupt your body position and create drag. One goggle lens should still be in the water.
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Inhale: Inhale quickly and naturally through your mouth as it clears the water.
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Exhale: Exhale steadily through your nose and mouth while your face is back in the water. This helps prevent water from entering your nose.
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Return to Position: Rotate your head back to the face-down position before the next arm stroke begins on the opposite side.
Key Points to Remember:
- Don't lift your head: This will sink your hips and slow you down.
- Rotate your body: The head turn should be part of a natural body roll, not an isolated movement.
- Exhale underwater: Consistent exhalation prevents the build-up of carbon dioxide.
- Practice: Consistent practice will help you develop a smooth and efficient breathing technique.
By focusing on these aspects, you can develop a comfortable and efficient breathing technique, enabling you to swim longer and faster.
