How To Breathe in the Front Crawl Stroke. Letâs now have an overview of the breathing technique used in the front crawl stroke: 1  During an arm recovery with breathing, you roll more on your side than during an arm recovery without breathing.2  This allows your face and mouth to clear the water and so you can inhale.ow To Breathe in the Front Crawl Stroke. Letâs now have an overview of the breathing technique used in the front crawl stroke: 1  During an arm recovery with breathing, you roll more on your side than during an arm recovery without breathing.