How can I improve my swimming?

Question

I just started, and I think I have a decent stroke. The problem is, The first few laps are fine, but then I get sloppy with my breathing and start taking in water.

I need some advice - mostly on breathing technique, but It doesn't hurt for other advice as well. I do freestyle, and am training for a triathlon, I'm just not that strong of a swimmer.

Answer 1

As you tire, you most likely lift your head to breathe and shorten your pulls causing you to lose balance and also swallow the water.  (Lifting your head makes your body start to go on an angle and sinks you.)  Be sure to keep up your kick as you breathe, finish your arm strokes especially the arm pulling backwards.  Learn to roll the body and roll from the hips not the shoulders.  Keep your chin tucked even when you breathe to keep balance.  Also, make sure you are breathing properly.  Inhale through the mouth on the side and slowly exhale out the nose in the water to regulate the oxygen in the body and not exhaust you.  Endurance training will also help.  Good luck!  

Answer 2

Heyy,

Well obviously the only way 2 get better at anything is to practise.

U said Ur fine for the first few laps but then you start to sloppy with your breathing.

Start by slowly working your way up to doing a extra lap (on top of ur first few laps) but try to really consecrate on your breathing.

Also counting can help..

If you need to talk to the Swimming Supervisor about it, or if you have a good friend that is a good swimmer or your parents?

Also look up on the net "Brething Techniques For Swimming"

That Shuld help.

Goodluck