Diaphragmatic Breathing for Athletes: Assessment and Drills

A coach's guide to assessing 360° ribcage expansion and progressing drills that improve mechanics under load.

Quick Assessment Flow

1. Posture and ribcage position - Where is the athlete starting from?
2. Lateral and posterior expansion - Can they create full circumferential expansion?
3. Breath timing during movement - How do their breathing patterns change under load?

Assess efficiently and identify where improvements need to happen.

Drill Progressions

1. Supine 90/90 with Lateral Expansion Focus

Start here. Learn to feel 360-degree expansion when there's no load. Master the feeling before adding complexity.

2. Half-kneeling Bracing with Exhale Control

Add stability demand and breathe through the challenge. Develop control under moderate load.

3. Loaded Carries with Cadence Breathing

Apply breathing mechanics to loaded movement. Build capacity under full demand.

Progress systematically. Master each level before advancing.

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