Having a Bad Day? Fix Your Breakout.

The Swimming Blues

We’ve all been there before. You’re doing some repeats and no matter what you try, you cannot go any faster. 

Number 1: 30.1. All good, I’ll give this next one a bit more zip. Number 2: 30.1. Hmmm, thought that should’ve been faster. Definitely starting to get a bit tired now… Number 3: 30.2. What the $%*#?!?!? How was that one not faster? I know I pushed that one way more.

And so it goes. I’m not one for quick fixes- the ones that 9/10 doctors recommend, and that have not been certified by the FDA. But the next time this happens, fix your breakout.

Pick Your Breakout

Why the breakout? 3 reasons.

First, the breakout is easy to fix (see below). It’s not too technically complex, or dependent on if you’re sore or not. Generally, there are just two or three components that can even be adjusted about a breakout- unlike a turn, where you could right a PhD dissertation on all the mechanics that affect it.

Second, it affects the start of the lap. Focusing on a finish is great, but by that point a rep is, well.. finished. Sometimes a fix of the breakout will make all the difference in how you feel on top of the water, and things start to click.

And third, a breakout is in your control. Sure, it requires focus, and your December-middle-of-training-camp-fourth-double-in-four-days breakout won’t be as snappy as your championship meet warm up breakout, but for the most part, you can always execute at least a better breakout without having to experiment too much.

So what can you fix about your breakout? In the spirit of simplicity, I’ll list just three variables to play with.

The Three Breakout Fixes

First, your depth/timing of breakout. Do you start your first stroke 2 feet under water? Maybe wait a click longer then. Is your entire back bone dry by the time you start to take your first stroke? Maybe start a bit earlier.

Second, your angle of your breakout. Are your hips so low you look like a pool noodle pointing at the sky? Try not to be not so steep.

Third, adjust the tempo of your first stroke. Slipping like the water is butter? Slow it down a bit. Sluggish the whole way through the lap? Kickstart the next one with a high tempo stroke.

Sometimes, the “solution” in swimming is to keep it simple and find a tenth here or there, and a breakout is a great place to look.

Want More Help?

We all know that swimming can be really hard! And you may need help getting started with implementing little habits like these. That’s where we come in to help. At College Swim Connect, we connect you with experienced mentors: elite college swimmers who have figured this stuff out. They can guide you through and give you access to their own arsenal of tools that they’ve carefully created over the years. Enter your email on our site and get started today with a free meeting!