Breathing out

Question
Dear George

Do you breathe OUT throughout after the face hit the water for all four strokes (assuming for backstroke), or do you hold the breath and breathe out before you breathe in, what is known as explosive breathing?

Thank you. Your reply is very much appreciated.

Sincerely

Eddie

Answer
Eddie--
To keep it short and sweet, you don't ever really hold your breath.  You should breath in when your face is out of the water and out under water.  Backstroke you want to try to keep your breathing in a rhythm, in 2 strokes, out 2 strokes, or something your comfortable with.  Explosive breathing is really not used when swimming.  Anytime you hold your breath you are speeding up the rate that lactic acid builds up in your muscles.
Hope this helps,
George