The Swim - Breathe Better, Swim Faster

Mastering Technique & Rhythm

Often triathletes struggle with the same two barriers to progress in the water: breathing and technique. These two elements are closely linked, and when refined together, they become the foundation for confident, efficient, and enjoyable swimming.

Let’s start with breathing. One of the most common issues for developing swimmers is the tendency to hold their breath or rush the inhale, which creates tension, anxiety, and early fatigue. Instead, we coach athletes to exhale fully underwater and breathe in smoothly and calmly - building a rhythm that supports, rather than disrupts, their stroke.

Bilateral breathing (breathing on both sides) can be beneficial for balance and symmetry, but it isn’t essential for everyone. What matters most is finding a pattern that works for you. Drills such as breathing every 3, 5, or 7 strokes help develop comfort and lung control, while focusing on breath timing can transform how relaxed you feel in the water.

Breathing is just one part of a bigger picture: swimming well before swimming fast. Many triathletes make the mistake of chasing speed without addressing the mechanics of their stroke. Prioritise technique above all else, that means assessing and improving body position, kick timing, head alignment, hand entry, and catch efficiency—right from your first session.

Video analysis and structured drills.

Using video analysis can help - by breaking down the freestyle stroke into manageable steps. This allows athletes to build confidence, conserve energy, and swim with less drag and more purpose. A more streamlined, technically sound stroke will always outperform raw effort—especially when you still have to bike and run.

Coach’s Tip: Breathe with control, swim with purpose. Focus on form and rhythm, and let speed come as a result of better movement—not brute force.