An often overlooked basic skill in swimming is the ability to time your breaths. If you're not comfortable breathing while swimming, you'll struggle to make streamlined, coordinated movements. The basic idea involves breathing out through both nose and mouth when your head is underwater, then lift your head to the side, taking a full breath before plunging your face back down under the surface. In his book "Swimming: Steps to Success," David G. Thomas suggests practicing this motion when holding onto the side of the pool with your arms outstretched.