The Rule of Thirds in Freediving Training
- Anthony Feoutis
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
Updated: May 13
Hello, underwater lovers!
What you’re about to read is a doorway—a glimpse into the ocean of thoughts, lessons, and wild experiences that make up The Depth Collector series.
This isn’t a polished pitch or a neatly packaged summary. It’s straight from the pages of The Depth Collector Book Two, raw and real—just like freediving. Here’s a glimpse into pages 279 to 280.
So, grab your noseclip, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into The Rule of Thirds in Training for Freediving
The Depth Collector Book Two
Page 279 to 280
The Rule of Thirds in Freediving Training
Training for freediving has its ups and downs—that's a fact. There are times of euphoria, times that are just okay, and times that are tough. Enter the 'rule of thirds,' a principle introduced by Ian Dobson, an Olympian and coach, that can guide you through the highs and lows of your training journey.
This rule of thirds states:
You'll feel on top of the world a third of the time
You'll feel just okay or neutral a third of the time
You'll face challenges or feel down a third of the time
⅓ On top of the world
These are the days when everything clicks. Your breath-hold feels effortless, your descent is smooth, and the underwater world welcomes you with open arms. These days build your confidence and reinforce your love for the sport.
⅓ Feeling just okay
On these days, your dives might feel routine. You neither break personal records nor face significant challenges. These are the days of consistency, where you solidify your techniques and build a foundation.
⅓ Feeling down
These are challenging days. You might struggle with breath-holding, have trouble equalizing, feel awful, or be physically drained. These days, while challenging, are crucial. They build your resilience, patience, and courage. They teach you to adapt.
Use This Rule to Find Balance
If you're always in the 'low' phase, you might be pushing too hard or not resting enough. On the other hand, if you feel great every day, you may need more challenges.
You should expect and accept the full spectrum of experiences in your training. Maintain a balanced mindset throughout. Remember, when you face challenging times, don't be too hard on yourself; they are both normal and essential. They're an integral part of the journey. Just as the ocean isn't always calm, beautiful, and crystal clear—sometimes it's rough, cold, and murky—your training will have variations.
Freediving isn't solely about depth; it's about the bond you form with the water and understanding yourself. The rule of thirds urges you to value every dive, no matter the outcome, as a significant step in your journey.
To be continued…
If what you’ve just read sparked your curiosity, know this—it’s just a ripple on the surface. The Depth Collector series plunges deep into this pillar, uncovering layers of insights, lessons, and practical tools to refine your freediving journey.
And it doesn’t stop here. The series explores all eight foundational pillars, packed with everything from mental hacks to sport nutrition, breathing techniques, training plans, and more.
Read more about the other pillars on the blog or grab your copy here.
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