How to Teach Breath Control and Rhythmic Breathing

 

This week we pay homage to the late Pierre Gruneberg, one of the world’s most innovative and successful swimming instructors, who encouraged his students to blow bubbles, hum, and sing to overcome their fear of the water.  If you teach beginners of any age, don’t miss this one!

 

**Monday**

**Breathing in the Water: Humming in the Water**

Two common reasons people are uncomfortable putting their face in the water:  They don’t like getting water up their nose…and they’re not aware of how long their exhale can last.  Humming can help!

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3227-humming>

 

**Tuesday**

**Breathing in the Water:  Singing in the Water**

Singing in the water, helps beginners control their exhale and helps them control the sinuses and nose.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3228-singing-in-the-water>

 

**Wednesday**

**Early Concepts & Skills: Inhale through the Mouth…Exhale through the Nose**

Basic but not always obvious to beginners:  Air comes in through the mouth…out through the nose.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2971-inhale-through-mouth-exhale-through-nose>

 

**Thursday**

**Early Concepts & Skills: Standing Bobs Holding the Wall**

Once beginners master in through the mouth…out through the nose, make it rhythmic with standing bobs.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2970-satnding-bobs-holding-the-wall>

 

**Friday**

**Early Concepts & Skills: Hanging Bobs**

For beginners, breathing progress comes in small steps!

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2972-hanging-bobs>

 

**Saturday**

**Early Concepts & Skills: Streamline Jumps**

Streamline jumps will lead beginning swimmers to mastery of breathing…and will teach other important skills such as streamline and proper pushoff position.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2973-streamline-jumps>

 

**Sunday**

**Haufler Progressions: Freestyle Breathing – Bubbles and Breathe**

After beginners have mastered air control and air exchange, and are comfortable floating, don’t rush right into “swimming.”  Teach them how to breathe by turning the head to the side.  Steve Haufler uses the mantra “bubble arm…breathing arm.”

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/435-freestyle-breathing>

 

**BONUS**

**Haufler Free: Breath Control & Rhythmic Breathing**

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1775-lesson-1-breath-control-and-rhythmic-breathing>

We used this video last week, but it contains really useful drills and progressions for teaching breath control.


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Jan. 6, 2026 - Teaching Breathing