I am a good butterflyer but believe that my kick is holding me back. I finished in the top 5 for both my fly events in the Spring Nationals but felt that I could have done better (or it may just be a lack of talent--but I can't fix that). Today I started to work with the Finis Shooter Monofin with the intention of improving my kick and taking some pressure off of my shoulders. What a disaster that was! I was barely able to keep the monofin below the surface and after 25 yds. I was exhaustapated! After working with it for about 30 min I came to understand that the only way I could propel myself forward was by ceasing any knee movement and kicking only through my gut and letting my lower legs move at the end of the oscilation. So my question is have I always kicked incrorrectly or do I just not know how to use the monofin? Not sure what I am hoping the answer is!
I think pretty much anyone you see from underwater will be seen to have more knee bend than they appear to have from the surface.
It can also be hard to tell from feel alone how much you are bending your knee. I didn't think I bent my knees all that much until I saw some underwater photos.
It can also be hard to tell from feel alone how much you are bending your knee. I didn't think I bent my knees all that much until I saw some underwater photos.
I had the same experience when we had someone come to video us in workout. I thought I was flat in the water with little bend in the knees. The video showed otherwise.
Yes, some knee bend is in play, but never up to 90 degrees .
I don't know, Oz. Check out around :30-:35 into the the Phelps video. His knees might not get quite to 90 degrees, but they aren't far off. I'm certainly not convinced that less knee bend if better.
I am a good butterflyer but believe that my kick is holding me back. I finished in the top 5 for both my fly events in the Spring Nationals but felt that I could have done better (or it may just be a lack of talent--but I can't fix that). Today I started to work with the Finis Shooter Monofin with the intention of improving my kick and taking some pressure off of my shoulders. What a disaster that was! I was barely able to keep the monofin below the surface and after 25 yds. I was exhaustapated! After working with it for about 30 min I came to understand that the only way I could propel myself forward was by ceasing any knee movement and kicking only through my gut and letting my lower legs move at the end of the oscilation. So my question is have I always kicked incrorrectly or do I just not know how to use the monofin? Not sure what I am hoping the answer is!
Not sure, watch underwater videos of the best SDKers and copy them
Have a friend make an underwater video of you SDKing
Put it on youtube and provide us with a link
Get one on one SDK lessons
Time your SDKs sprints
have a friend time you for 15m 25 & 50 y or M SDK sprints
What are your times?
do Help my SDK is HorribleHelp! My SDK is Horrible! - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
check out THE SDK LaneThe SDK Lane - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
there's a lot about SDK in Swim Faster Faster
