when I turn to the side to breathe (when I'm doing freestyle). But I find this really difficult and my arm tends to move downwards when I'm turning to the side to breathe.
What should I do? Can anyone please help me with this?
Thank you.
2007-04-16 04:57:08 · 7 answers · asked by acidten 5 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
Great question!!!
Sometimes a coach will tell a swimmer to do something that (intentionally) over corrects a problem. Correcting a swimmer's stroke is very difficult sometimes and a coach will offer a tip to overemphasize a certain aspect of a stroke. IT IS NOT THAT THE SWIMMER IS NOT LISTENING OR TRYING. It is because once we start swimming a particular way which might not be as efficient as possible, it can be very difficult to correct.
Since I can't see your stroke, I can't really know what is happening but you might be keeping your head too high and slinging your head when you breath. Only a guess!
If that were the case, then telling a swimmer to keep their ear on/near their shoulder might be an appropriate correction until proper technique is mastered. Also think about looking straight down at the bottom of the pool when not breathing.
Proper breathing in freestyle should come when the leading arm has just entered the water and the arm is fully extended. At that time, turn the head WITHOUT LIFTING IT. At this point, your ear and chin are very close to the arm. If both of your eyes/goggles are coming out of the water, you are turning or lifting your head too far. Only one eye should come out of the water.
Remember, your body roles in freestyle but you head looks straight down. Also remember to alternate breath. This means don't breath on the same side every time. If you do, your stroke will become unbalanced eventhough it feels right.
Great question and keep swimming.
2007-04-16 08:23:24 · answer #1 · answered by allenhighnote 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your coach is trying to help with your timing. You do not physically have to touch the ear to the arm, it's just an example of the motion. The outter edge of your ear should pass by the bicep when you take a stroke. This ensures that you are being as efficient as possible with your stroke and breathing rhythm.
Don't worry so much about the actual touch of the ear to the arm, think more along the lines of the timing of the arm and the head. Try turning your head a tiny bit earlier and see how it feels. If you still don't seem to feel it is making a difference, talk to your coach. Tell him/her that you understand what he/she means but that you need some more pointers because you don't feel you're making optimal progress. Chances are your coach has other tricks/drills/ideas to help you out.
Good luck!
2007-04-16 14:53:17 · answer #2 · answered by Kristy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your arms actually shouldn't come up to touch your ear when you breathe. Maybe this is for practice only but in competition you should never touch your arm to your ear. It's a lot of complex hydrophysics that I don't even totally understand myself, all I can say is that your arm is supposed to come close to your ear but not actually touch it.
But then again if your coach feels that you overextend your arms and get less-than-optimal pull through the water he should actually make you do this drill in practice. It's likely really annoying to do constantly so just do it when you can and when you're not that tired from doing it before. You might also want to try various drills for backstroke if you're having an overreaching problem with your freestyle. For backstroke the general rule is 1 o'clock to 11 o'clock (that's what we teach the little kids anyways) so that's a general guide to go by when doing backstroke drills.
2007-04-17 07:19:31 · answer #3 · answered by I want my *old* MTV 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are right, it would be awkward to do that during a breath. He/she probably means when you are doing a non-breathing stroke. Try breathing every 3rd arm stroke (both to the right and to the left). On the 1st and 2nd, your arm can touch your ear - ensuring that you are reaching far out in front for the "catch". But on the breath stroke, you ear should be facing downward, so you arm will contact the back of your head.
I think that you misunderstood your coach.
2007-04-16 12:30:07 · answer #4 · answered by Rebecca T 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have had many good coaches and I have never heard to touch your arm to your ear when you breathe. You are supposed to do that when you streamline of course but otherwise no. Your arm should be crooked with your hand by your face and your elbow high. That is really weird that he said that. Maybe talk to him about that. Or get some other help from other coaches or online.
2007-04-17 00:33:31 · answer #5 · answered by potter9 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
kick harder and place your hand/arm as if your going to take your next stroke...i only breath from one side..not the best cuz you can't see the other opponent but it keeps me balanced. Don't worry let it be a reaction and just practice. :)
2007-04-16 16:59:53 · answer #6 · answered by Esperanza R 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What sport are you talking about?? Swimming?
2007-04-16 12:09:20 · answer #7 · answered by Teia 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋