Need help Breathing when swimming

[renu1]

I started swimming about 2 years ago and I would say I have correct techniques. One big problem I have is breathing. It just started to happen recently. When I swim freestyle and turn my head to take a breath, it feels like I can't or am not getting enough air inside my lungs. After swimming, my chest feels like it's been compressed or something. It doesn't feel good. I do blow all my air out before I take a breath so I don't know how to improve on this. I can't swim long distances really well because of this. I'm not sure if it's because I'm not relaxed enough or what but it is really bothering me. Anyone have any advice?

[MD Longhorn]

According to rule 1.3.B, subsection 4, "A swimmer must breath while his/her nose or mouth is above water." Violations are penalized with a loss of 5 yards and 2 minutes in the box.

Umm... you realize this is an OFFICIATING forum, right?

[Welpe]

Slow day at work, Mike?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by welpe

slow day at work, mike? :d

lol

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by renu1

I started swimming about 2 years ago and I would say I have correct techniques. One big problem I have is breathing. It just started to happen recently. When I swim freestyle and turn my head to take a breath, it feels like I can't or am not getting enough air inside my lungs. After swimming, my chest feels like it's been compressed or something. It doesn't feel good. I do blow all my air out before I take a breath so I don't know how to improve on this. I can't swim long distances really well because of this. I'm not sure if it's because I'm not relaxed enough or what but it is really bothering me. Anyone have any advice?

I'm long removed from swimming and worrying about technique, but this sounds like perhaps your neck is at the wrong angle or maybe your shoulders are not lifting enough. If your team has cameras, have somebody film your stroke from underneath - and then have your coach analize the film.