Breathing is a fundamental aspect of swimming that can significantly impact a child’s comfort and performance in the water. But how to teach essential breathing techniques in a fun way?
At Easy2Swim, we understand the importance of mastering essential breathing techniques to ensure optimum adaptation to swimming. But we also know that children need to be taught in their own “languages”.
Whether your child is just starting or looking to improve their skills, incorporating effective breathing exercises can make a world of difference. Especially if you teach these techniques with resources that are part of your children’s play universe.
In this article, we’ll explore essential breathing techniques that can be practiced at home, helping your child build water confidence and swim more efficiently.
The importance of breathing techniques
Proper breathing techniques are crucial for maintaining rhythm, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall swimming performance.
For young swimmers, learning to control their breath can also alleviate anxiety and increase their enjoyment of swimming.
By practicing these techniques at home, you can help your child develop a strong foundation for their swimming journey.
Fun and effective breathing exercises
Many people don’t know, but there are breathing exercises you can do at home with your children that help develop essential breathing techniques.
When you teach lessons (whether on breathing techniques or any other topic) in a playful way, the child is more likely to absorb and learn the content.
A good way to start teaching essential swimming breathing techniques is with these exercises:
1. Blowing Bubbles
This activity helps them get comfortable with exhaling underwater and improves breath control. And you can do it in the bathtub or in the pool.
In the Bathtub: Start with a simple exercise of blowing bubbles in the bathtub. Have your child take a deep breath, submerge their face, and blow bubbles through their nose and mouth.
In the Pool: If you have access to a pool, encourage your child to blow bubbles while floating on their stomach. This exercise can be turned into a fun game by seeing who can blow the most bubbles in one breath.
2. Breath Holding
This exercise helps build lung capacity and confidence in holding their breath underwater.
Gradual Increase: Begin by having your child take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds while their face is submerged. Gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.
Counting Game: Turn breath holding into a counting game. Ask your child to count how many seconds they can hold their breath and try to beat their previous record.
3. Side Breathing
This helps them understand the mechanics of side breathing used in freestyle swimming. Start with dry land practice and move to water.
Dry Land Practice: Teach your child the basics of side breathing by practicing on dry land. Have them lie on their side and mimic the motion of turning their head to breathe.
In the Water: Once they are comfortable on land, practice side breathing in the water. Start with short distances and gradually increase as they become more proficient.
4. Bubble Arm Drill
This drill helps synchronize their breathing with their strokes, improving overall coordination.
Arm Movements with Breathing: Combine arm movements with breathing exercises. Have your child practice freestyle arm strokes while blowing bubbles and turning their head to breathe.
An extra tip!
Building water confidence is essential for young swimmers. That’s why you must encourage your child to practice these breathing techniques regularly, making each session enjoyable and stress-free.
Praise their efforts and celebrate their progress, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement will boost their confidence and motivate them to keep improving.
Pool care
Teaching essential breathing techniques with these exercises is bound to be fun. However, always be careful inside the pool to ensure that no accidents happen.
If you don’t feel so safe, you can always count on Easy2Swim’s expert team. With lessons that take place in your home or at your favorite club, you can rest assured that your children will learn to swim, with ease and fun.
Challenge Time!
We have a fun challenge for you and your child!
Over the next two weeks, practice these breathing techniques and track your child’s progress.
Can they hold their breath longer? Are they getting better at side breathing?
Share your journey with us on Instagram by tagging @easy2swim and using the hashtag #Easy2SwimChallenge.
We can’t wait to see your progress and celebrate your child’s achievements!
Learning to breathe is also important
Mastering breathing techniques is a crucial step in ensuring optimum adaptation to swimming.
By incorporating these fun and effective exercises into your child’s routine, you can help them build water confidence and swim more efficiently.
Let’s empower your kids to swim freely and confidently, turning every practice session into a fun-filled adventure.
