Breathe in during the early part of your breaststroke arm pull, lifting your head above the water, and then exhale completely underwater before initiating the next stroke.
Effectively breathing in breaststroke relies on coordinating your breath with your arm pull and leg kick. Here's a breakdown of the technique:
The Breathing Cycle
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Inhale: As your arms begin their outward sweep, lift your head forward and slightly upward to inhale through your mouth. This inhalation should be quick and efficient, coinciding with the power phase of your arm stroke when your body is naturally rising in the water.
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Hold Briefly: There might be a short period where you hold your breath very briefly as your arms complete their pull and recover forward.
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Exhale: As your arms extend forward and your head begins to submerge, begin exhaling fully through your nose and mouth. This is the crucial step. Completely emptying your lungs prevents you from feeling out of breath and allows for a fuller, more comfortable inhale on the next stroke.
Key Points for Effective Breaststroke Breathing
- Timing: Coordinate your inhale with the arm pull and your exhale with the glide and extension phase.
- Complete Exhalation: Ensure you fully exhale underwater. This prevents stale air buildup and improves your next inhale. As stated in the reference, completely exhaling allows you to invite fresh air back in without feeling out of breath.
- Head Position: Avoid lifting your head too high, which can disrupt your body position and create drag. A slight lift to clear your mouth for breathing is sufficient.
- Practice: Consistent practice is key to mastering the timing and coordination of breaststroke breathing.
By focusing on these elements and coordinating your breathing with your arm and leg movements, you can breathe efficiently and maintain a smooth, powerful breaststroke.
