Breathing and Bracing for Strength & Conditioning Coaches

How to coach intra‑abdominal pressure and ribcage dynamics without over‑cueing. Practical language that transfers under the bar.

Diaphragm‑First Bracing

Use breath to create circumferential expansion before load. Avoid belly‑sucking cues; teach “fill your core” for a natural pressure system.

Cue Upgrades

• “Breathe wide” instead of “big breath”
• “Ribs expand in all directions” instead of “breathe into your belly”
• “Hold pressure, exhale through the sticking point” instead of “hold your breath”