Breathing they say is as easy as ABC. Breathing is something that usually comes naturally but when you are under water, breathing and that too correctly, becomes quite a task. If you are a beginner and breathing while swimming makes you nervous, let us help you with some basic drills and techniques. These tips will familiarize you with proper breathing techniques and facilitate good breath control.
Face In water
If you are a beginner and try swimming with your head up, your body invariably drops. It is therefore better to start swimming with your face in water. In shallow water, hold your breath and couch down so that your face or head gets under water.
Good Body Rotation
Constant body rotation is an effective step to ease breathing. That’s right, once you rotate your body either way, you don’t need to turn your head further to breathe. Poor body rotation or rotation only to one side, causes disruptions in breathing. Good body roll makes breathing easier.
Bilateral breathing
If you breathe only on one side, you are most likely to have poor rotation on your non-breathing side. Bilateral breathing or swapping sides, is nothing but breathing to both left and right side. Bilateral breathing enables you to develop a symmetrical stroke that further helps cut straight through the water.
Focus on exhaling and not inhaling
Most swimmers avoid exhaling underwater which makes breathing tedious. If you exhale underwater between your breaths, it is easier to inhale when you breathe out. When you exhale under water through your nose, you blow bubbles. Try exhaling water so much so that you blow bubbles both through your nose and mouth. As your face enters the water, your mouth should be slightly open with a trickle of air going out between your lips. Some swimmers exhale through the mouth and nose, while others exhale gently through the mouth only. Many swimmers find a nose plug allows them to breathe more comfortably. Select the method that is most comfortable for you. Long exhalations ease your breath and help you relax.
Don’t panic if you inhale water
If you happen to breath in some water or accidentally took a gulp, do not get anxious. Instead of panicking, you should try to pronounce the letter K. This tongue movement keeps the water from getting into your throat.
Breathing easily under water helps cover long distances faster and with little effort. When the body is relaxed, the breathing rhythm can be controlled throughout the changing phases of the stroke, making it easier to swim at higher speeds and stay relaxed.
It is extremely tough to master the nuances of a complex sport like golf. Beginners, in particular, can find it to be exhausting and confusing because of the multiple rules and equipment involved. While one has to work hard on their skills, with the right clubs, golfing can turn into the most rewarding experience.
The following are some common types of golf clubs newbies should know of.
Woods
These types of golf clubs were initially made of wood; however, they are now created with materials like steel or titanium. Woods are useful for propelling the golf ball to the farthest distances. The heads of such clubs are large and rounded, whereas their base is flat, which allows the player to effortlessly swing the club over the ground. Driver and fairways are the two most popular kinds of woods used.
Irons
The irons are used once the player is closer to the green, i.e., when one is within 200 yards of the hole. The iron golf set covers clubs numbered from 3 to 9 and a pitching wedge. The lower numbered irons can be a little tricky to use. Therefore, several beginners adjust their golf set by picking a few wood clubs so that they could comfortably strike the ball and at the same time cover big distances.
Wedges
The pitching wedge is incorporated in the standard iron set; however, one will need to purchase other types of wedges too. These golf clubs have a high loft with a short shaft and come in handy for hitting the ball over the tree or removing the golf ball from the sand. The sand, gap, and lob are some popular sorts of wedges that can be bought separately. However, the beginners, usually only need the pitching edge. They can buy the additional variety as their level of play advances.
Putters
Every golfer needs putter in their set as it serves an essential purpose, i.e., pushing the ball in the hole when the player is on the green. The putter clubs are available in 3 different styles, including heel-toe, mallet, and traditional blade. Mallets are the recommended option for most beginners. Generally, standard putters are 32 to 36 inches long; however, one can get them customized based on their comfort.
Hybrids
Also called as utility clubs, hybrids are a comparatively a newer addition in professional and recreational golf. The hybrids combine the shaft of the irons and the head of the fairway wood. They are designed to replace the lower numbered irons that are difficult to play with. These clubs cover the same distances as irons but are easier to swing, making them ideal for beginners.
A seasoned player or rookie, it is important to know that the key to a good golf game is using the right club. At times, choosing a golf club can turn into a daunting task because of the extensive range of golf clubs that are available in the market. Several players, especially, beginners make the blunder of buying clubs that don’t agree with their swing mechanics or level of play. Therefore, before making a purchase, here are some essential factors one should scrutinize.
Golf club length
It is imperative for a player to get a golf club of the right length. Standard golf clubs are designed for men and women with an approximate height of 5 foot 10 inches. If players are taller or shorter than the stated height, then they will need to get their golf clubs customized. Likewise, physical strength also needs to be taken into consideration. So, individuals with short stature can opt for lighter golf clubs so that it doesn’t interfere with their swing power.
Grips
The grips are crucial for maintaining the player’s control over the golf club. Going for the wrong grips can impede one’s golf game. There are four types of grips to choose from, i.e., the standard grip, the under-sized grip, the mid-sized grip, and the over-sized grip. Moreover, they come in a variety of textures like smooth, coarse, and abrasive. To pick the best grips, one should consult a professional golf fitter.
Shaft material
The shaft of the golf club makes up for the majority of its weight. Typically, these shafts are created using graphite or steel. Graphite shafts are comparatively more expensive. However, they are lighter and render better distance with every swing. Moreover, their lightness makes it simpler for the player to swing. This feature could benefit people who significantly lack arm strength. Alternatively, steel is heavier and cheaper but makes a great option for individuals who have a good arm strength and need the additional weight to restrain their swings.
Accessories
While buying a golf club, one should ensure to buy some essential accessories like a golf bag, gloves, and shoes. Although it is optional to use gloves and golf shoes, these accessories can come in handy. The gloves can improve the grip on the golf club, and the shoes can prevent the player from slipping and falling on the course.