About George Weber Expertise I am a swimming and diving coach and ex-competitor with over 25 years of experience. I consider myself a technique expert and can offer suggestions on swimming and diving mechanics. I can also answer questions on the mental aspect of competing.
Experience I was an NCAA div II national qualifier in 5 events from 100 freestyle and butterfly as well as in the 1650yd. freestyle. I was also a springboard diver at this same level. I have coached all levels of athletes in both sports from beginner to Olympic caliber.
Awards and Honors NCAA div. II All American and National record holder in 100 butterfly.
What do you mean by saying it is dangerous? what's dangerous? And I did hear lots of people saying that if you keep practicing, you can hold your breath longer, just like those deep divers diving without gear. I mean, I only want to be able to hold my breath a little longer, not to a crazy level. And this doesn't help my swimming? I am confused because lots of sprinters don't even breath once for 25 yards or even more. I want to do that too. Please help and thanks again!
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Followup To
Question -
Hi George:
Could you tell me some tips on how to swim underwater for a whole 25 yards straight forward. In other word, how to build up my lung ability. And also, when I butterfly, I go up and down too much. I see good flies don't do this way but more stay on the top of the water. So why is that?
Lots of thanks!!
Answer -
Heng-
Lung capacity isn't something you can really build up and it's not a necessity to swimming fast, plus it can be dangerous. The best way to swim 25 yards is to maintain a streamlined position, relax and use a smooth flutter or dolphin kick to get the distance you are looking for, be careful and never hold your breath in a pool without at least one other person to keep an eye on you.
As for your butterfly, work on one arm at a time with a butterfly kick and try to keep your stroke level. It sounds like you are worrying about you kick too much. Let the kick be a following motion rather than a forced kick.
Hope this helps,
George
Answer Heng--
The reason that it can be dangerous is that if you push even a little too far you can lose consciousness and drown, that is why it is important to have someone around when you are training. Being able to hold your breath doesn't help your swimming to a significant degree, being able to utilize the oxygen is. Every time you hold your breath you build up lactic acid in your muscles which tires them out faster. You will never see a top athlete hold their breath for more than 10 to 15 yards and even then they are exhaling not holding their breath. In competition it is more beneficial to keep the muscles oxygenated than to hold your breath for any extended periods of time. If your main competitive distance is only 25 yards, then I would say to push for that distance in a controlled exhale, other wise you should aim for one breath per 25 yard distance in a 50 yard race and more than that if you are going longer distances.
Hope this helps,
George
