Let's see. First there was 'exhale about 90% of the air in your lungs, and continue exhaling when your head surfaces, taking a 'big ole greedy breath of air' when you surface'.
To practice the breathing we played the old 'hang on to the side of the pool and put your face in the water' gag. Then I practiced by swimming a few laps with a kickboard whilst just practicing the breathing bit.
It went to hell for a few laps when I tried freestyle again, and the coach kept telling me to relax. After about 3 laps, I finally figured out that meant to cool it with the legs and arms.... not trying to get to the other side of the pool as fast as humanly possible. Once I slowed down, it was MUCH easier to focus on my breathing.
no subject
To practice the breathing we played the old 'hang on to the side of the pool and put your face in the water' gag. Then I practiced by swimming a few laps with a kickboard whilst just practicing the breathing bit.
It went to hell for a few laps when I tried freestyle again, and the coach kept telling me to relax. After about 3 laps, I finally figured out that meant to cool it with the legs and arms.... not trying to get to the other side of the pool as fast as humanly possible. Once I slowed down, it was MUCH easier to focus on my breathing.