underwater-view-of-man-in-swimming-pool-blowing-bubbles-from-mouth-learn to swim binghamton university

Mastering Breath Control: Key Drills from Learn to Swim Session 2

In the second session of Learn to Swim, we focused on building comfort with breath control and submersion, essential skills for developing a relaxed and efficient swimming technique. Students began with a warmup of standing and sitting kicks, emphasizing proper form through straight legs and pointed toes. The pre-set challenged participants with interval-based kicking drills, gradually increasing effort while reducing rest, fostering endurance and technique under fatigue. These foundational exercises prepared swimmers for the primary focus of the session: mastering breath control and submerging comfortably in the water.

The drill set introduced students to blowing bubbles, bobs, and combining the two in dynamic exercises to build underwater confidence. Progressions included exhaling through the mouth and nose underwater, forceful breaths, and rapid sequences of bobs and bubbles to simulate the rhythm of swimming. By the end of the session, students demonstrated noticeable improvements, transitioning from basic submersion to integrating movement and breath control with greater ease. This class marked a significant step toward mastering comfort and fluidity in the water, setting the stage for future stroke development.