In the final step in this progression, we move to swimming.

You can introduce this drill while using fins, but you’ll want to move this forward to regular swimming as soon as possible.

Start in the simplest balance position, hand lead with the eyes down.  Don’t move the lead hand.

Next, rotate the head to get a breath.  Don’t move the lead hand.

Rotate the head back down to the eyes down balance position.

Now start to swim, focusing all your attention on extending the lead hand into a stable position.

In this stage of the drill, you’ll be asked to breathe on every stroke.  While rotating to air, again, focus all your attention on the lead hand.  Discover any sculling, pushing, supporting, or premature drop of the hand as your head is rotated over for a breath.

Swim slowly while doing this, and continue breathing on every stroke to see if you’re able to maintain the long line, with the stable hand, without using the lead hand for leverage while you’re swimming.

Alternate sides on each length so you’re able to develop a balanced breath on both sides.

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Step 5 - Building a Balanced Breath