breathing technique

Question
hello sir, just want to know the proper breathing technique under water. during freestyle swimming, im confused whether i should slowly release air through my nose or my mouth in the form of bubbles. and how do you release bubbles when taking a rest, is it through nose or mouth?

Answer
Hi. I don't think there is one perfect way to do it. You have to find out the way that works best for you. You can hold your breath and then force it out hard as you turn your head to breathe. This helps keep the lungs full and gives you good positioning in the water.

Or you can release the air slowly through your nose and mouth as you describe. This is how I do it and teach as well. The advantages are: 1) by blowing out your nose, it helps keep the water from going up your nose (ouch!) 2) The act of slowly releasing the air is relaxing and meditative so it helps swimmers relax and stay calm. (Holding the breath tends to tighten one up).

So to answer your question, I think you should do release the air from both nose and mouth. Blow out your nose at the beginning and then as you roll and turn your head, force the rest of your air out your mouth. This will clear a path for the air and keep water away. Blow this air out until your mouth has cleared the water. It will make sure that all the air is out of the lungs as well as make it easier to breathe in your mouth when your mouth has cleared.

If you are having difficulty getting enough air it is probably because you are not blowing out enough air. This technique will help clear the lungs.

When you're resting, it doesn't make any difference at all. If you're tired and out of breath you will probably do it from the mouth, and if your rested and relaxed from your nose. I've read a lot of exercise books recommending either way and I have experimented hundreds of times and found no advantage to either. Both work.

One final comment. When you are blowing out underwater, keep your lips together so that the air has to force the way out. This way if you stop blowing bubbles your lips will seal and no water can get in your mouth. If you did it on land it would make a "brrrrrrppppp" sound. Some teachers teach swimmers to blow out like they would a candle...this does not work very well because as soon as you stop blowing the water will come rushing in.  Hope this helps. If you need further help, just ask!