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Drills to Improve Your Breathing Technique in Swimming

Breathe better, swim longer - master your breathing technique with smart drills.
Breathing is often the biggest hurdle for new and even experienced swimmers. In this guide, we at Runplaygo outline how improving your breathing can transform your swimming experience. From rhythm control to breath timing and lung capacity, these drills are curated for efficiency and endurance. This article is here to help you swim stronger, one breath at a time.
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When swimmers struggle, it’s often not a lack of strength holding them back – it’s improper breathing. If your breathing is off, your rhythm breaks down, your body position falters, and your stroke efficiency drops. The ability to breathe well in the water is as critical as strength or endurance, yet it’s one of the most overlooked skills. At Runplaygo, we understand how breathing challenges can limit performance. That’s why we’ve teamed up with certified swim coaches to create targeted drill routines designed to isolate and improve every aspect of breathing – timing, exhalation control, and underwater comfort – so you can swim smoother, last longer, and move through the water with power and ease.

Top Drills to Build Better Breathing Control

  • Sink Downs
    • Stand in shallow water, exhale fully and allow yourself to sink. Builds CO₂ tolerance.
  • Bilateral Breathing Drill
    • Swim while breathing every 3 or 5 strokes to balance breathing on both sides.
  • Catch-Up Drill + Breathing
    • Combine catch-up drill with focused side breathing to control timing and streamline.
  • Bubble Blowing Drill
    • Swim slowly and exhale a steady stream of bubbles underwater before turning to breathe.
  • 3-2-1 Breathing Ladder
    • Do 3 strokes per breath, then 2, then 1. Repeat. Helps with breath control under pressure.
  • Underwater Push-offs
    • Glide underwater from wall without breathing, focusing on calmness and exhalation.

Better breathing leads to better swimming. These drills not only make you more comfortable in the water but also help reduce fatigue and panic. At Runplaygo, we empower swimmers with techniques, tools, and training insights to help them stay strong and confident in the pool. Pair these breathing drills with quality gear and consistent practice – and watch your laps become smoother, longer, and more powerful.

Sample Drill Routine for a Breathing-Focused Swim Set

Set Type

Drill Name

Reps & Notes

Warm-Up

Bubble Blowing

4 x 25m, focus on relaxed exhale

Technique Set

Bilateral Breathing

4 x 50m freestyle breathing every 3 strokes

Focus Set

Catch-Up + Breathe

4 x 50m, pause to extend arm before turning head

Breath Ladder

3-2-1 Breathing Drill

3 rounds, 50m each round

Cooldown

Sink Downs

5 reps, full exhale, relaxed mind & body

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