Box Breathing

Breathwork

You mean I need a breathing coach? A coach to tell me how to breathe? Even though I do that already, without trying? The answer is precisely yes. 

Learning to control your breath is arguably the biggest life hack. More specifically it can be your secret weapon when it comes to crushing your competition. This powerful (and free!) tool can improve your concentration, help you to control your emotions and increase your CO2 max. But you have to work at it, just like you have to work on transitions and other technical skills specific to volleyball. 

The Benefits

Deep, rhythmic breathing like this can slow your heart rate and regulate your autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system regulates bodily functions like digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response and more.

Controlled breathing can also create focus within your mind, giving you the ability to refrain from succumbing to distractions in high pressure situations on the court. This type of breathing can help you control your physical and mental response to stress in most any environment.

Furthermore, you can practice this technique really anywhere at most any time and generally as often as you’d like. 

Try it Out

Notice how you’re naturally breathing. Then, using the breath to focus the mind – inhale for a count of 5, retain the breath for a count of 5, exhale for a count of 5, hold the breath for a count of 5. Repeat 5 times.

For more breathwork coaching, check out the videos on our on-demand portal, including one on Box Breathing! 

All Breathwork Videos

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