TIP OF THE WEEK
One of the biggest comments I get when I’m giving a swim lesson is “I have troubles breathing, what can I do to improve?” Break your swim stroke down into four quadrants. Quadrant #1 is hand entry, beginning of stroke through mid-line (Belly Button), Quadrant #2 is mid-line to exit (remember thumb to thigh), Quadrant #3 is from hand exit to directly over mid-line and Quadrant #4 is mid-line to hand entry.
Concentrate on releasing all your air in Quadrant #1 and breathing in Quadrant #3. Some key points to remember…
• It is much more comfortable to allow the head to turn as an integrated part of the torso rotation.
• Releasing a breath means exhaling all of the stale air from the lungs through the mouth before taking in another fresh breath.
• Keep one eye under water and breathe from the top portion of your mouth like you are sucking in air through a straw. This will take practice but can be done. Your gaze should be no higher than someone’s knee’s if they are standing on the pool deck.
Written by Peter Alfino
Peter Alfino is a level II USAT certified coach and the owner of Mile High Multisport. An accomplished triathlete who has completed 4 Ironman races, he has successfully coached Triathletes, Open Water Swimmers, Trail Runners and Mountain Bikers of all ages and abilities from sprint to Ironman races. If you are looking for a triathlon coaching plan you may contact Pete at peter.alfino@gmail.com to learn more about the triathlon coaching services he provides via Mile High Multisport.
can you please let me know the time for the swim clinic July 14th Sunday? is this open water swim clinic ? thanks