Breathing and breath control during the shot cycle.

M

mjdoutdoors

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have been experimenting with my breathing cycle during my stroke. Observing the effects breathing in or out at certain times in my stroke. Trying to discover consistency in energy in pressure performance. I was wondering if top pros share common traits in breathing patterns? Is the breath held at any time? Through my own discovery I have found an effective pattern that helps be stay more consistent from shot to shot. Researching, I have found that my breath pattern seems mimic the breathing in Archery. I have found this interesting page that goes into some depth. http://www.kslinternationalarchery.com/Technique/BreathingCycle/BreathingCycle.html
This really has me intrigued to learn more. Maybe CJ has some input on this. Learning this game has taken me on many journeys.
 
It's prolly not like mile long must kill shots. IMO if your stance is stable you only need not to be panting or spasming.
 
I see there are a couple of options on your link, both of which recommend releasing 30 to 50% of your breath and holding the rest. I don’t know what my lung capacity is or how it has changed over time. Maybe if I breathe in for 3 ticks then breathe out for 2 and a pinch?

What I do know is when I would go shooting with my dad he would have me exhale before the shot. Having to think about how much breath is in my lungs seems like a waste of time. It’s just a habit to take a deep breath before I get down and then a slow exhale before a slow draw back.

Might be completely backwards, but it’s one less thing to fret over. Is this worth fretting over? Something tells me it’s not worth fretting over whether or not it’s worth fretting over.
 
Oldest trick in the book... Do you breath in or out on your final stroke?? I win...

Don't psyche yourself out with shit that doesn't matter...
 
Tell you what I do. I inhale and and use my diaphragm and abs like I'm going to blow a horn or sing something. The shot becomes the note.
 
Partial exhalation, hold as I release the stroke.
Like with a rifle.
 
patscue said:
Research "Respiratory Pause". It works!
Click to expand...

Hi. Great archive you got.

This breathing thing; as I understand it, the sniper breathing is timed so as not to impart any movement to the shot. Pool OTOH is a physical activity. Don't you think your muscles and brain should be oxygenated as you shoot?
 
Respiratory Pause is a normal bodily function. It is not holding your breath, so it may not apply to depletion of oxygen.
 
I'm willing to bet that respiratory pause works best when combined with center to edge aiming, touch of inside stroke, and rapid eye transistion from CB to OB, and of course eye dominance correction.
 
The_JV said:
I'm willing to bet that respiratory pause works best when combined with center to edge aiming, touch of inside stroke, and rapid eye transistion from CB to OB, and of course eye dominance correction.
Click to expand...

:grin-square:


patscue said:
Respiratory Pause is a normal bodily function. It is not holding your breath, so it may not apply to depletion of oxygen.
Click to expand...

Wasn't saying that; just that this pause means it's time for more air. Don't lifters start with full lungs?
 
FWIW...

When training to shoot in the military I was taught to slowly exhale while pulling the trigger, to avoid unwanted movement.

I do the same playing pool - when I experiment without doing it (continuous in/out breathing) I can see that my head position/view shifts slightly back and forth with each breath.

pj
chgo
 
Flow

I try to make every shot in an inning one flow of motion. While I have played with breathing in the past I haven't seen any benefit in a pause. Normal or shallow breathing seems equally effective and doesn't disrupt flow.

It is possible to pause our hearts. If we are seeking perfect stillness we might want to work on that too! In practice, I think our eyes and the rest of our body's have adjusted to changes with breathing since birth. Without tangible benefits I'm not gonna complicate things!

Hu
 
Pause................halt/stop/cease between breaths....however you choose to perceive it to understand that moment. Momentary cessation.
 
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I would enjoy watching a pool video of someone so otherwise still during their shot that they could possibly benefit from pausing their breath.
 
Holding your breath when you execute the stroke is not the best idea. Normal breathing, like Pat Fleming suggested, is the way to go. Time your breath so you exhale as you stroke the CB.

Scott Lee
2019 PBIA Instructor of the Year
Director, SPF National Pool School Tour
 
Patrick Johnson said:
FWIW...

When training to shoot in the military I was taught to slowly exhale while pulling the trigger, to avoid unwanted movement.

I do the same playing pool - when I experiment without doing it (continuous in/out breathing) I can see that my head position/view shifts slightly back and forth with each breath.

pj
chgo
Click to expand...

Right. But marksmanship under field conditions is extremely different. Following through with a cue tip, in the pool room does NOT require breath control.
 
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