Breathing is something we almost always take for granted. However, proper breathing while swimming must be learned. The fact that you must use a different method of breathing for each of the four swimming strokes complicates the learning process. While the breathing technique for freestyle is the most difficult to learn, for backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly stroke, too, the key is always to time your breaths properly. Learning to breathe properly when swimming requires practice. You will swallow more than a little water until you master the techniques.
Freestyle
Step 1
Start your breathing cycle for swimming freestyle by exhaling while your face is in the water. You do not have time to both exhale and inhale while your mouth is above the water's surface.
Step 2
Turn your head to one side as you bring the arm on that side over your head. Do not lift your head. Turn your head only far enough to bring your mouth above the water's surface. Inhale quickly and immediately turn your face downward.
Step 3
Keep your head in line with your back and spine at all times. When you are not turning your head to breathe, you should be looking directly downward at the bottom of the pool.
Step 4
Breathe on one side only. This way, you will take one breath for each complete stroke cycle. Trying to breathe on both sides will cause your body to rock excessively and make swimming more difficult. Most swimmers find it helpful to always breathe on the same side, either the right or left.
Other Strokes
Step 1
Take a breath as you bring your arm overhead in the backstroke. This times your intake of breath so that there is the least chance water will slosh over your face as you inhale. You can breathe twice per stroke cycle as each arm is brought forward. However, most people find it more comfortable to breath only once per stroke cycle. Either way, remember to exhale completely as you pull your arm back underwater so that your lungs are empty when you start to inhale.
Step 2
Take one breath for each stroke when swimming breaststroke. Begin exhaling as you bring your arms forward into position for your next arm pull. Wait until you have almost completed your arm pull and your hands are coming together. Then lift your head free of the water and inhale quickly. Immediately lower your head back into the water.
Step 3
Follow the same steps for breathing in the butterfly stroke as for breaststroke, with one exception: lift your head to breathe when you have pulled your arms back to where they are alongside your midsection, about where your navel is. Beginners should breathe on every stroke. You need well developed lung capacity to breathe every other stroke in butterfly as you see competition swimmers do.
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