Hi Tarun - I am a fellow learner like yourself and had the same problem. I fixed it looking at 2 things : 1) Don't pull too early - when you rotate to breath make sure your bottom arm stays fully extended(pointing down slightly)you can lean on it a little to stop you sinking - you can swim slow this way. Swim tall 2) Keep your weight forward - this will keep your feet and hips high without having to kick too hard. Try 2 beat kick - it saves energy. Goodluck !
Great question and frequent frustration for many swimmers. Think about your spine as your "center line"; if your right hand crosses your center line, you will drift left - just like a rudder. If you drift to the right, your left arm is crossing your center line. This becomes an issue when you strive to rotate and reach, we mentally forget to keep the hand-arm combo in line with our shoulder so that we slip through the water straight. Please move your arms "out" more and let me know-Thx
I've just started swimming and I've been teaching myself everything. I've found that Freestyle is the most difficult stroke for me because I have trouble breathing. I do exhale the entire time I'm underwater, but I get freaked out that I won't get enough air when I have to take it, which causes me to raise my head/lower my hips. I'm going to give this a try on Wednesday or Thursday so fingers crossed! I'm thankful that I've come across your videos; they've been incredibly helpful, thank you!
Success! I did 20 meters with the right hand leading, and 20 meters with the left leading. With the left hand i'm still not completely vertical and my legs drop a little, but it's acceptable. Now I will start to incorporate this in my freestyle swimming. Thank you very much for this drill, this video and all the help. You are the man.
Coach Robb it's 3am right now and I cannot wait to get into the pool in 4 hours and try everything I've seen in your videos. Out of all the videos I've seen online, yours make the most sense and I believe will help my technique. I have a sprint triathlon in 13 days (no worries, I've been training for 4 months and I'm in the best shape of my life) but was fairly new to swimming and was struggling a bit with breathing. Again, thank you so much for this and I will report back.
I really appreciate your videos, after trying the kickboard and going backwards, I watched your video and learned to kick appropriately and keep my legs higher in the water. Along with extending myself more when I swim, your tips have helped me speed up a lot. Now it's just the breathing issue and I'll be all set.
Hi Robb, finally I could swim a length today, slowly though but without stress.Exhalation in water is not perfect as yet but I am sure practice will set it right. Thanks to your simple , comprehensive swim vedieos and advice.
Molly Anne-thank you for your message! When you rotate to breathe, push your lips back as if you are blowing a kiss out the side of your mouth. Another way to think about this is to visualize smoking a pipe out the side of your mouth. I have had several clients suffer with "gulping air" and this has helped. Another option is to swim with a snorkel occasionally to break the fear patterns. If neither of these suggestions work, please video yourself swimming and I can look at what is going on.
Coach Robb, just started a swim routine this week and must say your videos have helped me a whole lot. So much of the basics in your videos I just didn't know, have really made me more efficient. Been doing traditional gym stuff for the last 3 years or so, and I must say swimming beats the hell out of me way more than any of the other stuff ever has!
Gregory-thank you for watching and giving the concepts a shot! Please let me know if I can help in any way with your swimming or nutritional needs. -Coach Robb
Thanks Coach Robb, going to work on this side kick drill today, Since having a fairly severe spine injury I'm having some trouble getting my rotation back with freestyle. Maybe this will help. Or I may sink, always an option. Training for Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, so I have got to get the rotation back!
our coach advised to ditch the nose clip......so here i was this morning without them ........still getting my breathing correct... thanks for encouraging words
I followed your catch-up drill and i could see a lot of improvement in my swimming. I could get to the other end with less number of strokes and my swimming was very smooth. I am only swimming in the shallow end since i don't know how to breathe yet. I haven't tried the pull buoy, but tried holding on to the kickboard while trying to rotate to breathe. But that didn't help, my legs were sinking. I was doing better without it. (post continued below)
Great questions! When possible, try to lift first and then go swim. At first your body will feel "heavy" when you begin swimming, but swimming after lifting will have you feeling better the next day because you are lengthening out the muscles (strength training shortens muscles). If logistically possible, train in the morning & evening to allow your body the chance to consume food (building products for your muscles) and rest in between sessions (higher output when you exercise). Good luck!
Hi Coach, Just wanted to thank you for sharing these drills. These drills along with the other videos in which you explained the physics of swimming have helped me a lot in finally learning freestyle swimming as an adult learner. Thanks a lot!
Ann, Thank you for taking the time to watch my videos and drop me a message! Please let me know if there is anything in particular that I can help you with. -Coach Robb
So, so well! I've made immense progress in the time since I left this comment. SwimSwam.com actually asked me to blog for them.. definitely an interesting perspective on the sport from me. Thank you for checking in!
As someone who swam at competition levels for 13 years of my childhood (30 years ago, ugh) and has returned to swimming for health reasons, I've found your videos a refreshing course on reminders for great techniques and breaking bad habits I've picked up during fun swimming over the years. I have always had the "problem" of floating like a cork ..no, seriously..I can float on my back with my legs crossed at the ankle and my hands folded behind my head like I'm laying on the couch. That being said, I've gotten a heavy kick board to force myself to have to press it down harder into the water and recently I've added some Finis short fins, but I still find that my kick generates a ton of splash because my hips ride high and so do my feet. I feel like I'm not getting my legs the work they truly need, should I add ankle weights to my swims, to keep my feet a bit beneath the water and force the kick to work harder? I hope that all makes sense. Again, thanks for the videos ..even an old timer like me is enjoying a basics refresher!
Your Videos are great! I just started trying to swim face down in the water a few days ago. I learned so much in such a short period of time watching your videos! I can't wait to put it to practice. I am hoping to do my first triathlon next year for my 40th birthday!
Joe-thank you for taking the time to watch the video. I am thankful that you found them helpful. Please keep me posted if there is anything that you are struggling with regarding your swimming and I would be happy to address it. Feel free to send me an email or leave a post here on TH-cam. -Coach Robb
Preeta-feel free to add fins to keep your momentum helping you with your balance. I like to use the tennis ball under the chin to "teach rotation" as well. If possible, film yourself and upload it so that I can review. This will help me see what is going on while you are in the water. -Coach Robb
Thank you for your message-the key is to slowly exhale through your mouth and nose like a controlled valve. Many of us hold the air until we nearly pass out or become hypoxic. Please give this a try and let me know how it works out for you. -Coach Robb
Preeta-very observant on your behalf! I honestly don't focus on my eyes, but rather full body rotation until my mouth breaks the surface. I focus on my nose and belly button moving as one unit. The only time I focus on my eyes is when I swim in the open water and am sighting for swim buoys around the course. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or need anything clarified. Thank you for watching my videos. -Coach Robb
Preeta-thank you for watching! I would suggest that you swim with a pull buoy to "teach" your body what it feels like to stay balanced and rotate to breathe. Another key component is timing your exhalation so that you are "ready" to breathe when you rotate to breathe. If you let your air out too fast, you will have a tendency to pick your head up to breathe - causing your hips to sink. Pls give these things a try and please post back. -Coach Robb
Thanks Robb, you are making my life easier with breathing to the side business. Also ur video on body position is great. SIMPLY YOU ARE A GREAT PROFESSOR. ANYTHING ON NHOS TO KICK WITH UR FEET/LEGS. Thanks. Chafik
thanks a lot, dude. I was having troubles about my balance wich affects my side kicks, but now all that i have to do its pushing my arm with the force of the chest down to the water
Thanks for the concern Bob.My problems start as soon as I start exhaling.I loose count of when to breathe in and inhale water instead of air or return head to water without inhaling.During this inhaling exercise my legs stop kicking and droop down. Eventually the the whole rhythm of swimming fails and finally I have to give up and stop.This whole episode concludes within a distance of 15-20 meters. I have seen number of swim drill vedieos including yours but now my patience seem to be giving up
Great video. I tried the other day the breathing drill. I am very comfortable on one side but i struggle on the other. Can you maybe give some advice how to correct it?
Priya, Thank you for watching! Since you swim with a nose clip, you will need to really focus on exhaling completely through your mouth so that when you rotate to breathe, your lungs will be empty and ready for fresh air. When it comes to breathing, it is all about timing. Refrain from getting frustrated, it is simply a trial and error type of drill. Good luck - and please keep me posted. -Coach Robb
Thank you for your question-exercise won't burn off muscle, but rather build it (as long as you are eating enough protein to support your efforts - such as your whey). Considering the density of water, you will be doing a lot of "strength work" so you will notice an improvement in your muscle mass because you are nutritionally supporting your efforts. If your urine is dark or it has a strong odor, you are not getting enough protein (your body is "eating" its muscle for energy). -Coach Robb
Hey Coach Robb, Loved your technique it really helped me breath much easier than earlier. I'm a slim guy. I can feel that I create a lot of drag as my hip and legs are little slopped downwards......I tried lifting my hips up by pressing down the chest like you suggested in your previous video, but ended up straining my back. Could you tell what exactly went wrong?
Thanks for your reply. I started practising body position and i felt that i can glide better. I am now working on breathing, and i am very positive about it. I want to learn more aboug kicking with the legs. Thanks so much. Chafik
Kicking needs to be from the hips, with your feet kept under the water and your toes pointing back. Refrain from overkicking - this will drive up your heart rate and rush your breathing mechanics. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything clarified. -Coach Robb
Thanks Coach, I will try that. Another question, a lot of people say that you need to keep one eye below the water when breathing. But I am not seeing that in you video. You have both your eyes out of the water and i see a that you are lifting your head sideways. Whereas some people say that you just need to rotate not lift. What is the difference between both styles?
thanks for the videos coach, the instructions are clear, concise and very well taught. I just wish there was not so much background noise like the music which I find annoying and taking away from what are otherwise great lessons taught by a very well spoken coach. Anyways, thanks a lot for putting these together, I continue to practice using these techniques.
Sam-thank you for your comments, I agree the background noise is too much. Unfortunately, I shot this video a long time ago without my editing software that I now use. Thank you again for your feedback - please let me know if you have anything that I can breakdown for you. -Coach Robb
Thank you for your message! Not to sound difficult, but what is frustrating you? Are you losing your balance; not able to breathe, sink, all the above? If you get a moment and can film yourself bi-lateral breathing, I would be happy to review and decide what we can adjust to make your efforts more relaxed in the water. Drop me a message when you get a quick moment. -Coach Robb
Molly Anne, I have found that the blowing nose method is optimal! The idea is to time the breathing cycle with depleted lungs; if your lungs are deflated, then the vacum will increase your oxygen uptake. The goal is deplete the lungs just in time to your rotation and your mouth breaking the surface. Please keep me posted on your progress. -Coach Robb
Hi Robb. Thanks for making these videos. They're extremely helpful. I can swim fine when i'm not focussing on breathing or rotating my body. But when I try to incorporate side breathing I have a few problems. I tend to create more bubbles with my arms which throws me off as do the bubbles i release with my nose. If I release the air too fast, I feel breathless under water & when I come out for a breath I end up not being able to take a breath at all. Any suggestions for improving?
Mike-thanks for the msg! Not to sound cruel, but the only way water gets in is if you are NOT blowing out while you exhale. Blow through your mouth and your nose to ensure that you close any potential income of water. Please give this a try and let me know if you have any questions or need anything clarified. -Coach Robb
Dude, you're awesome! Question, what am I doing wrong when I rotate to the side for air water will get in my eat and I'll stop because of it. Using ear plug is great but in the real world I'm not going to carry my ear plug with me all the time.
Jokat-thank you for your message! Please email me directly, I will provide you some strength exercises to achieve your goals along with some nutrition programs to help you drop some weight in a healthy manner (using real food that you can purchase at your local market). I look forward to speaking with you soon! -Coach Robb
This video helped me out a lot and really improved my technique manifold. Also, this is really tiring! I still need to develop kicking endurance in my legs, I feel like I kick them too fast in the water and I get tired out. I'm still trying to find the right pace.
Tyrone-thank you for watching my video! Another tool that you can add to this drill is to put a kick-board out in front of you. The key is to press down (slightly to help keep your hips elevated) and then focus on kicking on your side. When you get to the end of the pool switch the arm out in front holding the board. Please keep me posted on your progress and if I can help in any way. -Coach Robb
Terry - swim with a pull buoy in between your knees and a tennis ball under your chin, This will keep you focused as well as "teach" your body how to rotate as one unit. Your goal is to have your chin and belly button move as one unit - rotating around your spine is the key. Please give this a shot and let me know how you do. If possible, capture yourself swimming and send it to me so that I can see you in the water and provide you specific feedback. -Coach Robb
Hi Coach Robb, Thanks for this great video. I have a question, when I try to swim fast in freestyle I am able to rotate my body and breathe properly, but that make me tired and I have to stop at 25m and take a rest of 30sec. When I try to swim slow and try to breathe by rotating my body, then I gulp a lot of water. Any tips for this?
Thanks Coach Robb for posting such nice video. Could you please answer my below questions How long can you keep your face out of water while doing the side kick swimming drill? What is the easiest way to tread water? Can you rotate from front to back to take breath if you are a beginner swimmer if yes then how? I am re-taking swimming lessons but nothing has worked so far. I can back/front float but when I breathe during freestyle it’s insufficient and I have to stand on floor to catch my breath. I try to rotate from front to back but it’s too difficult for me.
Add a pull buoy in between your thighs to help you focus on one thing at a time. By using the pull buoy, you will "teach" your body what it is to swim horizontal in the water. Please give this a try and let me know how it works for you. Thank you! -Coach Robb
Love the video, you referenced videos number 1 and 2... where would I find those? Training for the swim around Key West next summer, my first big event!
this same thing happens to me.... with me its because I don't exhale beneath the water, I hold my breath and then try to breathe as I hit the surface... Its not due to muscle fatigue but more so because of suffocation. Well that's what I think it is
Great question! Yes, you want to time your exhalation so that you are "ready" to consume fresh air when you rotate to breathe. This is a frequent problem with swimming, if you are not taking in fresh air, you will begin to rush both the timing of your breath along with lifting your head to breathe (verses rotating). Please let me know if you have any questions. -Coach Robb
Garth-thank you for your comments! If you experience the "suffocation feeling", restrain how fast you are emptying your lungs. The key is to time your breathing with your need for air. If you are swimming hard, you need to prepare your lungs for more fresh air - the more volume you create in your lungs, the more fresh air you are able to inhale and utilize within your working muscles. Please keep me posted. -Coach Robb
Thank you for your message! The problem was you "lifted" your legs versus letting the hydrodynamics work for you: press your chest and your legs come up automatically. To help relive your back pain, place a kickboard under your pelvis and swim, this will keep your hips elevated with little to no stress on your lower back. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything clarified. -Coach Robb
You are not doing anything wrong; however, there isn't anything that you can do about it. Literally, it is the design of your ear tubes! I experience the same thing, you just get acclimated to it. To avoid an ear infection, create a mixture of rubbing alcohol (to evaporate water) and hydrogen peroxide (kills bacteria). Keep up the consistency and strive to get acclimated to the feeling. Please keep me posted on your progress. -Coach Robb
Thanks for the tips, I am a self taught individual and I am training for an Olympic distance triathlon. I just learned to swim about a year and a half, and though I have endurance (can swim a mile without stopping) but I lack speed and I am not sure how to get faster.
The key to getting faster is getting more efficient. Can you capture yourself swimming and then send me the link to review? Please tap back when you get a quick moment. Thanks! -Coach Robb
Great question-when you put your face into the water, exhale. Strive to empty your lungs by the time your mouth breaks the surface so that you have created a "vacum" and inhale. It is all about timing, so be patient. If you want to send me a film of you swimming, I will take a review and provide you some feedback. -Coach Robb
Hello Coach Robb! I am a below-knee amputee. I am very interested in pursuing swimming to enhance the muscles on my thigh/leg and to lose weight as per my prosthetist's advice. Do you have any tips on how I can make-up for my other leg when swimming? Thanks in advance.
Thank you for this video. I'm a beginner that's been stuck at the learning to breathe phase for a year. My problem is that I have that sinking body type. I can't float--I have to kick or else I sink and even then it seems like it's a lot of effort just to stay up. My current problem with breathing is I either gulp water or gasp real fast (maybe I'm rushing it or forgetting to multitask?) when I turn and come out for a breath. Frustrating for the amount of time I've been at it but I'll get over this.
Unfortunately TH-cam will not allow me link any videos here. Please go to my channel and look at the playlist for swimming - you will find them there. If you have any troubles, please email me directly and I will send you the specific hyperlinks via email. Thank you for watching! -Coach Robb
Hey Rob. I'm 20 years old and starting to get in shape. I'm tall and thin but over the last year I've tried to put on some weight and muscle. As a result I've gained some pounds but have acquired some fat (Mainly in stomach). I recently moved into a house with a decent sized in ground pool so I figured once the weather gets nice I'll start swimming a lot to train. How many days should I swim a week and for how long? (I lift 3 times a week) Also any general pointers would be appreciated. Thanks
Hang in there! Visualize "pressing" your arm pit towards the bottom the pool; this will elevate your hips based on hydro-dynamics. To keep the water out of your nose; blow through both your nose and mouth like a bull. If air is going out, water can't get in. Please keep me posted. -Coach Robb
Hi Bob.Thanks for the advise.I really dont know if I can find a buoy(like the one u use) but I will try to find one.In the mean time,any substitutes / improvised device for a buoy?
I am a beginner. I just try to swim as a form of exercise. I have problem with breathing. I just wonder if you (or your associates) have classes in different cities? I’d like to take class from you.
It is possible, but is going to cause your hips and legs to sink quickly. Think about your nose and belly button being attached. As you rotate your head to breathe, rotate your shoulders and hips so that your nose and belly button move in line with one another. This helps you maintain proper body balance in the water. Please keep me posted if you have any additional quesitons. -Coach Robb
Hang in there! Visualize "pressing" your arm pit towards the bottom the pool; this will elevate your hips based on hydro-dynamics. To keep the water out of your nose; blow through both your nose and mouth like a bull. If air is going out, water can't get in. Please keep me posted.
Do you have access to a swim buoy (the swim tool that fits inbetween your thighs)? This will help you focus on your breathing first. Once you get the timing of your breathing down, we can re-focus on your lower body. -Coach Robb
100% yes! Keep only on hand on the board and then rotate - you will have to slow the rotation down a bit but is a great drill. Extra benefit - it will stretch out your arm pits where your Lats insert into the back of the arm. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
@@CoachRobbBeams No worries! I've started swimming again after 20 years and have issues with having my face in the water and breathing calmly. I can do the leg and arm movements at an ok level but my freestyle has always been head out of the water and sinking hips. I'm a fairly fit and long guy so hopefully will enjoy freestyle eventually :D thanks for the useful video
@@michaelharper3049 If you want to send me a video of you swimming I would be happy to critique for you and give you direct feedback (Contact@CoachRobb.com). Happy to help!
Hey Robb thanks for great video but I have a suggestion for you. You said to watch previous 3 videos first ant that is absolutely essential. It would be great if you can label them Video 1, 2 and 3 or Part 1, 2, 3 because I have a hard time figuring out which one goes first and I guess I'm not the only one... Thanks again for great videos :)
Great suggestion - I will get this edited ASAP! Thank you for watching and your insight on how to make it easier for others to follow. Please keep me posted on your progress and if I can help in any way. -Coach Robb
I am excited that you are getting more comfortable in the water. Remember to point your toes to create more surface area with your feet. Please let me know if you have any question or need anything clarified. -Coach Robb
Hi Tarun - I am a fellow learner like yourself and had the same problem. I fixed it looking at 2 things :
1) Don't pull too early - when you rotate to breath make sure your bottom arm stays fully extended(pointing down slightly)you can lean on it a little to stop you sinking - you can swim slow this way. Swim tall
2) Keep your weight forward - this will keep your feet and hips high without having to kick too hard. Try 2 beat kick - it saves energy. Goodluck !
You are a few persons in the You-Tube giving instructions in details and making sense. Very clear. Thank you.
Great question and frequent frustration for many swimmers. Think about your spine as your "center line"; if your right hand crosses your center line, you will drift left - just like a rudder. If you drift to the right, your left arm is crossing your center line. This becomes an issue when you strive to rotate and reach, we mentally forget to keep the hand-arm combo in line with our shoulder so that we slip through the water straight. Please move your arms "out" more and let me know-Thx
I've just started swimming and I've been teaching myself everything. I've found that Freestyle is the most difficult stroke for me because I have trouble breathing. I do exhale the entire time I'm underwater, but I get freaked out that I won't get enough air when I have to take it, which causes me to raise my head/lower my hips. I'm going to give this a try on Wednesday or Thursday so fingers crossed! I'm thankful that I've come across your videos; they've been incredibly helpful, thank you!
I'm been watching many video on youtube and by far you're the best coach I have ever encounter keep up your good work. YOU ARE THE BEST,
Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave such kind comments. Please let me know if I can help in any way regarding your progress.
Success!
I did 20 meters with the right hand leading, and 20 meters with the left leading.
With the left hand i'm still not completely vertical and my legs drop a little, but it's acceptable.
Now I will start to incorporate this in my freestyle swimming.
Thank you very much for this drill, this video and all the help. You are the man.
Congrats - keep up the good work! Welcome to your new world of swimming - no one can ever take this skill away from you.
-Coach Robb
Coach Robb it's 3am right now and I cannot wait to get into the pool in 4 hours and try everything I've seen in your videos. Out of all the videos I've seen online, yours make the most sense and I believe will help my technique. I have a sprint triathlon in 13 days (no worries, I've been training for 4 months and I'm in the best shape of my life) but was fairly new to swimming and was struggling a bit with breathing. Again, thank you so much for this and I will report back.
AJ-thank you for the kind words! How did your pool workout go for you? Please tap back when you get a quick moment. Thank you!
-Coach Robb
I really appreciate your videos, after trying the kickboard and going backwards, I watched your video and learned to kick appropriately and keep my legs higher in the water. Along with extending myself more when I swim, your tips have helped me speed up a lot. Now it's just the breathing issue and I'll be all set.
Will do! I have to thank you for the progress I've made just in the last week!
I've never jammed my fingers reaching for the wall until now!
Hi Robb, finally I could swim a length today, slowly though but without stress.Exhalation in water is not perfect as yet but I am sure practice will set it right. Thanks to your simple , comprehensive swim vedieos and advice.
Molly Anne-thank you for your message! When you rotate to breathe, push your lips back as if you are blowing a kiss out the side of your mouth. Another way to think about this is to visualize smoking a pipe out the side of your mouth. I have had several clients suffer with "gulping air" and this has helped. Another option is to swim with a snorkel occasionally to break the fear patterns. If neither of these suggestions work, please video yourself swimming and I can look at what is going on.
have problem with breathing in freestyle found your video and will try this tom.
Coach Robb, just started a swim routine this week and must say your videos have helped me a whole lot. So much of the basics in your videos I just didn't know, have really made me more efficient. Been doing traditional gym stuff for the last 3 years or so, and I must say swimming beats the hell out of me way more than any of the other stuff ever has!
Gregory-thank you for watching and giving the concepts a shot! Please let me know if I can help in any way with your swimming or nutritional needs.
-Coach Robb
Thanks a lot Coach Robb. I improved a lot in swiming. Again,thanks a lot Coach Robb.
Thanks Coach Robb, going to work on this side kick drill today, Since having a fairly severe spine injury I'm having some trouble getting my rotation back with freestyle. Maybe this will help. Or I may sink, always an option. Training for Swim for Alligator Lighthouse, so I have got to get the rotation back!
Thanks for the quick reply. I will ask questions if they come up.
helpful, thanks
Thanks for watching Rick - let me know if you have any questions or frustrations!
our coach advised to ditch the nose clip......so here i was this morning without them ........still getting my breathing correct... thanks for encouraging words
I followed your catch-up drill and i could see a lot of improvement in my swimming. I could get to the other end with less number of strokes and my swimming was very smooth. I am only swimming in the shallow end since i don't know how to breathe yet. I haven't tried the pull buoy, but tried holding on to the kickboard while trying to rotate to breathe. But that didn't help, my legs were sinking. I was doing better without it. (post continued below)
thanks for the tip. Will try it today.
This has been very informative, thank you very much. Will definitely try this out tomorrow at the pool
Great questions! When possible, try to lift first and then go swim. At first your body will feel "heavy" when you begin swimming, but swimming after lifting will have you feeling better the next day because you are lengthening out the muscles (strength training shortens muscles). If logistically possible, train in the morning & evening to allow your body the chance to consume food (building products for your muscles) and rest in between sessions (higher output when you exercise). Good luck!
Hi Coach,
Just wanted to thank you for sharing these drills. These drills along with the other videos in which you explained the physics of swimming have helped me a lot in finally learning freestyle swimming as an adult learner.
Thanks a lot!
Ann,
Thank you for taking the time to watch my videos and drop me a message! Please let me know if there is anything in particular that I can help you with.
-Coach Robb
So, so well! I've made immense progress in the time since I left this comment. SwimSwam.com actually asked me to blog for them.. definitely an interesting perspective on the sport from me. Thank you for checking in!
As someone who swam at competition levels for 13 years of my childhood (30 years ago, ugh) and has returned to swimming for health reasons, I've found your videos a refreshing course on reminders for great techniques and breaking bad habits I've picked up during fun swimming over the years. I have always had the "problem" of floating like a cork ..no, seriously..I can float on my back with my legs crossed at the ankle and my hands folded behind my head like I'm laying on the couch. That being said, I've gotten a heavy kick board to force myself to have to press it down harder into the water and recently I've added some Finis short fins, but I still find that my kick generates a ton of splash because my hips ride high and so do my feet. I feel like I'm not getting my legs the work they truly need, should I add ankle weights to my swims, to keep my feet a bit beneath the water and force the kick to work harder? I hope that all makes sense. Again, thanks for the videos ..even an old timer like me is enjoying a basics refresher!
I'm trying to learn to swim and the most useful tips from whole TH-cam I found only here.
Thank you very much, Robb!
TheCiudat. Me tooooooo ♥️🌹
Same here
Best practice/tip I found. It helps to get a relaxed breathing. Thanx!
Thank you for watching! Please keep me posted on your progress in the water.
Just got introduced to your channel and I can tell you that its awesome man and Coach Robb your brilliant.
Great words of advice - thank you for sharing!
-Coach Robb
Your Videos are great! I just started trying to swim face down in the water a few days ago. I learned so much in such a short period of time watching your videos! I can't wait to put it to practice. I am hoping to do my first triathlon next year for my 40th birthday!
Joe-thank you for taking the time to watch the video. I am thankful that you found them helpful. Please keep me posted if there is anything that you are struggling with regarding your swimming and I would be happy to address it. Feel free to send me an email or leave a post here on TH-cam.
-Coach Robb
Thank you Coach! Can you give me an email address for me to keep you posted and ask occasional questions?
Kick board is available.Let me try it out if I dont find a buoy.I will get back after I try one of these, Thanks for the advice.
Preeta-feel free to add fins to keep your momentum helping you with your balance. I like to use the tennis ball under the chin to "teach rotation" as well. If possible, film yourself and upload it so that I can review. This will help me see what is going on while you are in the water.
-Coach Robb
Thank you for your message-the key is to slowly exhale through your mouth and nose like a controlled valve. Many of us hold the air until we nearly pass out or become hypoxic. Please give this a try and let me know how it works out for you.
-Coach Robb
Your instruction is excellent…wish I knew all of this years ago!
This is great! also looks like a good way to workout the legs and isolate kicking if kickboards get boring.
nice drills... really helpful.
thank you, this would help me tomorrow in my swimming class =)
Preeta-very observant on your behalf! I honestly don't focus on my eyes, but rather full body rotation until my mouth breaks the surface. I focus on my nose and belly button moving as one unit. The only time I focus on my eyes is when I swim in the open water and am sighting for swim buoys around the course. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or need anything clarified. Thank you for watching my videos.
-Coach Robb
Preeta-thank you for watching! I would suggest that you swim with a pull buoy to "teach" your body what it feels like to stay balanced and rotate to breathe. Another key component is timing your exhalation so that you are "ready" to breathe when you rotate to breathe. If you let your air out too fast, you will have a tendency to pick your head up to breathe - causing your hips to sink. Pls give these things a try and please post back.
-Coach Robb
Awesome instructions thanks!
Thanks Robb, you are making my life easier with breathing to the side business. Also ur video on body position is great. SIMPLY YOU ARE A GREAT PROFESSOR. ANYTHING ON NHOS TO KICK WITH UR FEET/LEGS. Thanks. Chafik
Chafik-thank you for watching the video and kind words! I am not sure about your question, can you send it to me again? Thank you.
-Coach Robb
Great job Priya - please keep me posted on your progress.
-Coach Robb
Deniz-thank you for the kind words. Please keep me posted on your progress.
-Coach Robb
thanks a lot, dude. I was having troubles about my balance wich affects my side kicks, but now all that i have to do its pushing my arm with the force of the chest down to the water
Very useful instruction.
thank you so much for your videos. It is really helpful for a beginner swimmer like me.
Thank you for watching - please let me know if you have any specific challenges with your swimming that I can help you with.
-Coach Robb
best swimming,
drill of
all time
Peace
I was having trouble with this drill; after a review of the video, I see my mistakes. Back at it tomorrow!
Thanks for the concern Bob.My problems start as soon as I start exhaling.I loose count of when to breathe in and inhale water instead of air or return head to water without inhaling.During this inhaling exercise my legs stop kicking and droop down. Eventually the the whole rhythm of swimming fails and finally I have to give up and stop.This whole episode concludes within a distance of 15-20 meters. I have seen number of swim drill vedieos including yours but now my patience seem to be giving up
Great video. I tried the other day the breathing drill. I am very comfortable on one side but i struggle on the other. Can you maybe give some advice how to correct it?
Priya,
Thank you for watching! Since you swim with a nose clip, you will need to really focus on exhaling completely through your mouth so that when you rotate to breathe, your lungs will be empty and ready for fresh air. When it comes to breathing, it is all about timing. Refrain from getting frustrated, it is simply a trial and error type of drill. Good luck - and please keep me posted.
-Coach Robb
I emailed you the link. Thanks again!
Thank you for your question-exercise won't burn off muscle, but rather build it (as long as you are eating enough protein to support your efforts - such as your whey). Considering the density of water, you will be doing a lot of "strength work" so you will notice an improvement in your muscle mass because you are nutritionally supporting your efforts. If your urine is dark or it has a strong odor, you are not getting enough protein (your body is "eating" its muscle for energy).
-Coach Robb
Hey Coach Robb,
Loved your technique it really helped me breath much easier than earlier. I'm a slim guy. I can feel that I create a lot of drag as my hip and legs are little slopped downwards......I tried lifting my hips up by pressing down the chest like you suggested in your previous video, but ended up straining my back. Could you tell what exactly went wrong?
Your welcome Pato - please let me know if I can help in any way going forward. Thanks!
-Coach Robb
Ashley - congratulations! Keep up the good work and let me know how youdo in the meet.
-Coach Robb
Thanks for your reply. I started practising body position and i felt that i can glide better. I am now working on breathing, and i am very positive about it. I want to learn more aboug kicking with the legs. Thanks so much. Chafik
Kicking needs to be from the hips, with your feet kept under the water and your toes pointing back. Refrain from overkicking - this will drive up your heart rate and rush your breathing mechanics. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything clarified.
-Coach Robb
Thanks, Robb. What about distance between feet and the fluttering pace? Is it short flutter, one after the other or long one?
Thanks Coach, I will try that. Another question, a lot of people say that you need to keep one eye below the water when breathing. But I am not seeing that in you video. You have both your eyes out of the water and i see a that you are lifting your head sideways. Whereas some people say that you just need to rotate not lift. What is the difference between both styles?
thanks for the videos coach, the instructions are clear, concise and very well taught. I just wish there was not so much background noise like the music which I find annoying and taking away from what are otherwise great lessons taught by a very well spoken coach. Anyways, thanks a lot for putting these together, I continue to practice using these techniques.
Sam-thank you for your comments, I agree the background noise is too much. Unfortunately, I shot this video a long time ago without my editing software that I now use. Thank you again for your feedback - please let me know if you have anything that I can breakdown for you.
-Coach Robb
Thank you for your message! Not to sound difficult, but what is frustrating you? Are you losing your balance; not able to breathe, sink, all the above? If you get a moment and can film yourself bi-lateral breathing, I would be happy to review and decide what we can adjust to make your efforts more relaxed in the water. Drop me a message when you get a quick moment.
-Coach Robb
Molly Anne,
I have found that the blowing nose method is optimal! The idea is to time the breathing cycle with depleted lungs; if your lungs are deflated, then the vacum will increase your oxygen uptake. The goal is deplete the lungs just in time to your rotation and your mouth breaking the surface. Please keep me posted on your progress.
-Coach Robb
Hi Robb. Thanks for making these videos. They're extremely helpful. I can swim fine when i'm not focussing on breathing or rotating my body. But when I try to incorporate side breathing I have a few problems. I tend to create more bubbles with my arms which throws me off as do the bubbles i release with my nose. If I release the air too fast, I feel breathless under water & when I come out for a breath I end up not being able to take a breath at all. Any suggestions for improving?
Mike-thanks for the msg! Not to sound cruel, but the only way water gets in is if you are NOT blowing out while you exhale. Blow through your mouth and your nose to ensure that you close any potential income of water. Please give this a try and let me know if you have any questions or need anything clarified.
-Coach Robb
Dude, you're awesome! Question, what am I doing wrong when I rotate to the side for air water will get in my eat and I'll stop because of it. Using ear plug is great but in the real world I'm not going to carry my ear plug with me all the time.
Jokat-thank you for your message! Please email me directly, I will provide you some strength exercises to achieve your goals along with some nutrition programs to help you drop some weight in a healthy manner (using real food that you can purchase at your local market). I look forward to speaking with you soon!
-Coach Robb
Hi Bob. Lucky enough to get a pull buoy.Shall I start praticing with ur vedieos in the order- pencil drill,body balance and breathing?.
This video helped me out a lot and really improved my technique manifold. Also, this is really tiring! I still need to develop kicking endurance in my legs, I feel like I kick them too fast in the water and I get tired out. I'm still trying to find the right pace.
Tyrone-thank you for watching my video! Another tool that you can add to this drill is to put a kick-board out in front of you. The key is to press down (slightly to help keep your hips elevated) and then focus on kicking on your side. When you get to the end of the pool switch the arm out in front holding the board. Please keep me posted on your progress and if I can help in any way.
-Coach Robb
Terry - swim with a pull buoy in between your knees and a tennis ball under your chin, This will keep you focused as well as "teach" your body how to rotate as one unit. Your goal is to have your chin and belly button move as one unit - rotating around your spine is the key. Please give this a shot and let me know how you do. If possible, capture yourself swimming and send it to me so that I can see you in the water and provide you specific feedback.
-Coach Robb
Thanks for your message! Please email me directly and I will provide you a strategy to burn that fat and build some muscle.
-Coach Robb
Hi Coach Robb,
Thanks for this great video. I have a question, when I try to swim fast in freestyle I am able to rotate my body and breathe properly, but that make me tired and I have to stop at 25m and take a rest of 30sec. When I try to swim slow and try to breathe by rotating my body, then I gulp a lot of water. Any tips for this?
Thanks Coach Robb for posting such nice video. Could you please answer my below questions
How long can you keep your face out of water while doing the side kick swimming drill?
What is the easiest way to tread water?
Can you rotate from front to back to take breath if you are a beginner swimmer if yes then how?
I am re-taking swimming lessons but nothing has worked so far. I can back/front float but when I breathe during freestyle it’s insufficient and I have to stand on floor to catch my breath. I try to rotate from front to back but it’s too difficult for me.
Add a pull buoy in between your thighs to help you focus on one thing at a time. By using the pull buoy, you will "teach" your body what it is to swim horizontal in the water. Please give this a try and let me know how it works for you. Thank you!
-Coach Robb
Thanks
Love the video, you referenced videos number 1 and 2... where would I find those? Training for the swim around Key West next summer, my first big event!
Thanks Coach will try that. Should I be practising this in the deep end vs the shallow? Is there a difference?
this same thing happens to me....
with me its because I don't exhale beneath the water, I hold my breath and then try to breathe as I hit the surface... Its not due to muscle fatigue but more so because of suffocation. Well that's what I think it is
Great question! Yes, you want to time your exhalation so that you are "ready" to consume fresh air when you rotate to breathe. This is a frequent problem with swimming, if you are not taking in fresh air, you will begin to rush both the timing of your breath along with lifting your head to breathe (verses rotating). Please let me know if you have any questions.
-Coach Robb
Hey coach can you link up the video one and two? also do you have a video on how to use Buoy properly?
Garth-thank you for your comments! If you experience the "suffocation feeling", restrain how fast you are emptying your lungs. The key is to time your breathing with your need for air. If you are swimming hard, you need to prepare your lungs for more fresh air - the more volume you create in your lungs, the more fresh air you are able to inhale and utilize within your working muscles. Please keep me posted.
-Coach Robb
Thank you for your message! The problem was you "lifted" your legs versus letting the hydrodynamics work for you: press your chest and your legs come up automatically. To help relive your back pain, place a kickboard under your pelvis and swim, this will keep your hips elevated with little to no stress on your lower back. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything clarified.
-Coach Robb
You are not doing anything wrong; however, there isn't anything that you can do about it. Literally, it is the design of your ear tubes! I experience the same thing, you just get acclimated to it. To avoid an ear infection, create a mixture of rubbing alcohol (to evaporate water) and hydrogen peroxide (kills bacteria). Keep up the consistency and strive to get acclimated to the feeling. Please keep me posted on your progress.
-Coach Robb
Thanks for the tips, I am a self taught individual and I am training for an Olympic distance triathlon. I just learned to swim about a year and a half, and though I have endurance (can swim a mile without stopping) but I lack speed and I am not sure how to get faster.
The key to getting faster is getting more efficient. Can you capture yourself swimming and then send me the link to review? Please tap back when you get a quick moment. Thanks!
-Coach Robb
Great question-when you put your face into the water, exhale. Strive to empty your lungs by the time your mouth breaks the surface so that you have created a "vacum" and inhale. It is all about timing, so be patient. If you want to send me a film of you swimming, I will take a review and provide you some feedback.
-Coach Robb
Hello Coach Robb! I am a below-knee amputee. I am very interested in pursuing swimming to enhance the muscles on my thigh/leg and to lose weight as per my prosthetist's advice. Do you have any tips on how I can make-up for my other leg when swimming? Thanks in advance.
Thank you for this video. I'm a beginner that's been stuck at the learning to breathe phase for a year. My problem is that I have that sinking body type. I can't float--I have to kick or else I sink and even then it seems like it's a lot of effort just to stay up. My current problem with breathing is I either gulp water or gasp real fast (maybe I'm rushing it or forgetting to multitask?) when I turn and come out for a breath. Frustrating for the amount of time I've been at it but I'll get over this.
Have you had the opportunity to watch my video on becoming balanced in the water?
-Coach Robb
Unfortunately TH-cam will not allow me link any videos here. Please go to my channel and look at the playlist for swimming - you will find them there. If you have any troubles, please email me directly and I will send you the specific hyperlinks via email. Thank you for watching!
-Coach Robb
I apologize - it was captured at a college pool. Thanks for watching.
Hey Rob. I'm 20 years old and starting to get in shape. I'm tall and thin but over the last year I've tried to put on some weight and muscle. As a result I've gained some pounds but have acquired some fat (Mainly in stomach). I recently moved into a house with a decent sized in ground pool so I figured once the weather gets nice I'll start swimming a lot to train.
How many days should I swim a week and for how long? (I lift 3 times a week) Also any general pointers would be appreciated. Thanks
Hang in there! Visualize "pressing" your arm pit towards the bottom the pool; this will elevate your hips based on hydro-dynamics. To keep the water out of your nose; blow through both your nose and mouth like a bull. If air is going out, water can't get in. Please keep me posted.
-Coach Robb
Hi Bob.Thanks for the advise.I really dont know if I can find a buoy(like the one u use) but I will try to find one.In the mean time,any substitutes / improvised device for a buoy?
What are the previous two videos you referenced titled? I don't see "Video 1" and "Video 2." Thanks!
I am a beginner. I just try to swim as a form of exercise. I have problem with breathing. I just wonder if you (or your associates) have classes in different cities? I’d like to take class from you.
It is possible, but is going to cause your hips and legs to sink quickly. Think about your nose and belly button being attached. As you rotate your head to breathe, rotate your shoulders and hips so that your nose and belly button move in line with one another. This helps you maintain proper body balance in the water. Please keep me posted if you have any additional quesitons.
-Coach Robb
Hang in there! Visualize "pressing" your arm pit towards the bottom the pool; this will elevate your hips based on hydro-dynamics. To keep the water out of your nose; blow through both your nose and mouth like a bull. If air is going out, water can't get in. Please keep me posted.
Do you have access to a swim buoy (the swim tool that fits inbetween your thighs)? This will help you focus on your breathing first. Once you get the timing of your breathing down, we can re-focus on your lower body.
-Coach Robb
Preeta - thank you for doing this; however, I can find it. Can you provide me a direct link? Thank you!
-Coach Robb
can I do this drill using a kickboard? thanks
100% yes! Keep only on hand on the board and then rotate - you will have to slow the rotation down a bit but is a great drill. Extra benefit - it will stretch out your arm pits where your Lats insert into the back of the arm. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
@@CoachRobbBeams No worries! I've started swimming again after 20 years and have issues with having my face in the water and breathing calmly. I can do the leg and arm movements at an ok level but my freestyle has always been head out of the water and sinking hips. I'm a fairly fit and long guy so hopefully will enjoy freestyle eventually :D thanks for the useful video
@@michaelharper3049 If you want to send me a video of you swimming I would be happy to critique for you and give you direct feedback (Contact@CoachRobb.com). Happy to help!
@@CoachRobbBeams that's a really kind offer! if I manage to get some footage I'll send it across, thank you
Hey Robb thanks for great video but I have a suggestion for you. You said to watch previous 3 videos first ant that is absolutely essential. It would be great if you can label them Video 1, 2 and 3 or Part 1, 2, 3 because I have a hard time figuring out which one goes first and I guess I'm not the only one...
Thanks again for great videos :)
Great suggestion - I will get this edited ASAP! Thank you for watching and your insight on how to make it easier for others to follow. Please keep me posted on your progress and if I can help in any way.
-Coach Robb
I am excited that you are getting more comfortable in the water. Remember to point your toes to create more surface area with your feet. Please let me know if you have any question or need anything clarified.
-Coach Robb