Reading through the recent posts on kickboard use brought to mind a question someone might have an answer for.
I noticed while doing "kick on side" drills that I have a lot more difficulty maintaining balance and propulsion on one side versus the other. I think this is caused by having more kicking strength in one (dominant) leg compared to the other. This situation is not noticeable in "kick on back" drills or regular freestyle swimming.
Is there a drill or focus swim where I could work on the weaker leg? I guess I could try kick sets using just the weaker leg. Would this be beneficial?
Thanks in advance for any opinions/advice.
Former Member
This is a complete shot in the dark; I may be completely off base with this... However, do you breath only to one side? I know always breathing to one side can cause an asymmetry in your body roll and arm stroke. Perhaps the need to roll farther to your breathing side causes you to kick harder with your leg on that same side? If so, maybe learning to breath to the other side might address this?
Matt
Matt-
Thanks for the suggestion but I always breathe bilaterally in freestyle--every third stroke--so I don't think the issue you raise is related.
When doing "kick on back" drills (hands loosely at sides) I notice that I have to scull my left hand from time to time to keep going in a straight line--never the right hand. I think this is because my stronger right leg is pushing me off-line towards my left.
And, as I said, the difference really shows up when doing "kick on side" drills.
Maybe I'm concerned about nothing here....
Hi Bearcat,
Everyone has a "chocolate" side, the side that is more comfortable or works best for activities that require balance. It is not so much related to strengh but more to balance and kinesthetic awareness.
The only way to even out the two sides is to work the "vanilla" side a little more. It will improve but you will probably always be able to tell the difference.
If you find that there is a noticeable difference in the strength of your legs, you might want to try weight training to even that out.
Good luck!
Kim
