Learn the simple timing trick that makes breathing in front crawl feel natural


What if your breathing timing was the one thing holding back your whole stroke?

Hi, Mark here. I hope all is well with you.

This week we are talking front crawl breathing - and more specifically, the timing of your breath. If you’ve ever felt your breathing “throws you off” in front crawl, you’re not alone. It’s one of the hardest parts to coordinate - but once you get the timing right, everything flows more smoothly.

👉 My full guide is right here.


🌀 What timing means

It’s not just when you breathe, but how arms, legs, and breath sync together. Most beginners start with a six-beat kick (six kicks per full arm cycle) - it gives balance and momentum.


💨 Where the breath fits

  • As one arm pulls, roll your head gently to the side
  • Inhale as the recovering arm clears your face
  • Return smoothly, without breaking rhythm

Keep it relaxed — rushed strokes make breathing harder.


✅ Quick practice tips

  • Stick with a six-beat kick for now
  • Use the catch up drill to slow things down
  • Focus on staying smooth, not fast

Full breakdown here: Front Crawl Breathing Timing.

You’ve got this - small tweaks in timing make a huge difference.

Happy swimming

,
Mark

PS - have you missed any of my previous newsletters? Click here for a list of them all.

PPS - did someone forward this to you and you're looking to subscribe? Subscribe here.

Hi! I'm Mark, creator of Swim Teach

I've been teaching swimming for over 30 years and I built Swim Teach so that I can share all my knowledge, wisdom and experience from the thousands of swimming lessons I have had the pleasure of teaching. Take a look back through my previous newsletters and see what you missed.

Read more from Hi! I'm Mark, creator of Swim Teach
How to swim front crawl ebook

Struggling to move efficiently through the water despite vigorous kicking? You're not alone. Many swimmers find that their efforts don't translate into speed or distance. The key lies in refining your technique. Hi, Mark here. I hope you've had a great week. This week, we unpack the secrets to a powerful front crawl leg kick. Stay tuned to the end of this week's newsletter for a free Front Crawl Cheatsheet for you to download, save and print out. You'll find the link right at the end of this...

One of the most common questions I get asked by adult swimmers is, 'Why do I get so tired swimming front crawl? Hi, Mark here - hope the week’s going well. One of the most common issues adult swimmers bring up (and one you’ve probably heard too) is: “Why do I get so tired swimming front crawl?” It’s easy to assume it’s a breathing problem, but more often it’s about timing, body position, and energy control. I recently heard from a swimmer who said: “We all end up completely winded after just...

One of the most common questions I get asked by adult swimmers is, 'Why do I get so tired swimming front crawl? Hi, Mark here - hope you’re doing well. If you’ve ever climbed out of the pool wondering why front crawl feels so exhausting, you’re definitely not alone.It’s one of the most common questions I get from adult swimmers: “Why do I get so tired so quickly when I swim front crawl?” Most people assume it’s all down to breathing - but it’s usually a mix of timing, body position, and how...