I'm devoting a few weeks to a lot of kicking. Is that beneficial to my whole stroke? Of course I'll be doing whole strokes, but I'm focusing a lot on my kicks this week and the next.
So, my question is: is using a kickboard okay for *** kick? I've heard that some say that it makse your butt sink, which is NOT okay, and yes, I actually take more kicks to cover one length on a kickboard than on a kickboard with a pull buoy to make my butt float to the surface, despite the less power.
Which brings me to my second question: how about kicking on a kickboard with a pull buoy between my legs? I know it helps me keep my legs close when I kick, but if I keep on doing this will I be too dependent on the pull buoy to make my butt get near the surface, so that if the buoy is removed my butt will sink? Or is a pull buoy okay?
Lemme know your views on this! Thanks!
Former Member
I also agree that warm up is critical. Wayne is right, and I should have said more on that than I did. If I do a lot of *** stroke, I will do AT LEAST a 200 SLOW almost lazy kick. Otherwise, I will get joint pain in my knees. If I warm up properly, no problem whatsoever.
Coincidentally...
The January/February issue of SWIMMER magazine has an article called "Breaststroke Kick Drills: To Challenge, Condition and Build Body Awareness."
The article was written and directed by Mike Collins, the 1990 USMS Coach of the Year, who is currently the head Masters coach of the Nova Masters in Irvine, Calif. The article is accompanied by some great photography by Peter Bick. In the article, Mike talks about the use of equipment and other ideas on how to improve your breaststroke kick. All types of swimmers, ranging from beginners to competitors, should learn more about breaststroke kick from the article.
We are in the process of mailing magazines this week, and depending on your local postal service, most people should receive their magazines within the week.
Enjoy!
Bill
Thanks Bill, I can't wait to get the magazine. Put a rush on magazine will ya!
I have coached in clinics and at the ASCA World Clinic with Mike Collins, and he is one of the great assets in masters swimming. We think of Mike as a triathlete, and distance swimmer, but I have seen him swim some great 200 breaststroke races. And I am always envious of him at Nova, some of the best breaststrokers have competed for Nova and Coach David Salo.
The nicest womens 100 stroke I have ever seen was Stacianna Stitts in her first heat of the 100 ***. It was a thing of beauty and very fast.
Everyone, just remember it is OK to practice slowly in breaststroke, just use good form.
And one of the best tips is: Count your kicks per length. Kick with your head up for several lengths, then kick with your head in line with your spine looking down for several lengths.
