A catch breath is a quick, short, unobtrusive breath taken when singing. Breathing at the right time and by the right amount, especially during an up-tempo song, where the words are coming fast and in long phrases, is crucial to a good performance. Catch breaths have to happen quickly and in a short space of time by opening the body, especially the throat, and allowing the breath to drop quickly into the lungs. They have to be planned and practiced thoroughly in advance, as in the case of all breathing during a song.