The right breathing technique for crawl swimming

Crawl swimming, also known as freestyle, is probably the fastest and most efficient swimming technique. Breathing is usually one of the biggest construction sites for our clients. They can implement the technology fundamentally, but they do not have enough air to travel longer distances. In this blog post, we'll explain why the right breathing technique is also important and give practical tips on how you can immediately optimize your breathing while crawling.

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Why is the right breathing technique important when crawling?

The breathing technique used in crawl swimming directly influences your swimming performance and endurance. Breathing effortlessly ensures that your body is adequately supplied with oxygen, which delays muscle fatigue and increases your overall performance. Even if you have the problem of barely getting any breath, you are probably aware of the importance of the right breathing technique.

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The basics of proper breathing techniques

1. Rhythmic breathing: A consistent breathing rhythm is crucial. Many swimmers breathe every three arm strokes, which allows bilateral breathing. This ensures an even muscle load on both sides of the body and improves the water situation. You can also avoid side stabs by maintaining a steady rhythm.
2. Side inhalation: When crawling, you should inhale sideways. Turn your head sideways by rotating around your long axis. With the right rhythm, you run in sync with the pressure phase, which makes you swim even more efficiently.
3. Exhale into water: Breathe out completely into the water. This ensures that you need less time when inhaling and can breathe better. Continuous exhalation also helps to stabilize the breathing rhythm. This is often the most important point in making it easier to breathe in.

Practical tips to improve your breathing technique

1. Head position and body rotation

Make sure your head stays in line with your body. Your gaze should be directed downwards and slightly forward. Avoid lifting your head too much, as this will have a negative impact on your water position and speed. In public swimming pools, this often causes conflicts. Feel free to look up here from time to time and be considerate.

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2nd Practice lateral breathing

Practice breathing sideways by doing your swims slowly and paying attention to your head and body movements. A popular exercise is “one-armed crawling,” which involves scratching with one arm and keeping the other arm extended. This helps to isolate and optimize lateral breathing.

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3rd Bubbles in water

Get in the habit of continuously exhaling into the water. You can also practice this outside of the water by taking a deep breath and then exhaling slowly. In water, you can do special breathing exercises in which you consciously and rhythmically exhale into the water.

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conclusion

The right breathing technique is an essential part of crawl swimming and prevents many from swimming effortlessly. By practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your breathing while crawling. Make sure you breathe rhythmically, inhale sideways, and exhale completely into the water. With these tips, you are guaranteed to have more fun swimming and learn to crawl faster.