I am slow, and when I mean slow, I mean slow. I can do a 26 sec 50 with fins, but without I come in just under 1:20! I think a big part of it is just taking the fins off and doing a lot of kick sets to learn to feel the water better with my feet. I have a good breaststroke kick so I don't think my problem is an overly weak pair of legs, although they could be in better shape. Also, myankles are fairly flexible as I can point my toes and make my feet bend backwards past an even position with my shins. However, I do think that I need to loosen up my ankles when I kick. I feel like I get more out of my kick for those brief moments when I allow my ankles to snap back and forth with my kick. I think I actually need to relax more to kick faster as weird as that sounds.
I suppose the answer to my question is that I simply need to take of the fins and do kick set after kick set until I learn to feel the water better with my feet and become more efficient.
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Former Member
I also don't exactly have 4 "great" strokes like some IMers do, so I use my Fly to get out quick. I do use an easy speed (but fast) fly, and then just get through the backstroke. After that, it's almost a coin flip as to whether it's going to be a good or bad race. If I can keep stretched out in the ***, then it's a good day, but if my stroke is shortening...:afraid:
Story of my life! My worst stroke is the backstroke though. I use my technique in the fly to get me out with good pace and then focus so hard on just staying in touch in the back leg (without using too much leg energy). If i am in touch at the back/br turn then I feel confident I can win. If they have gone too far past in the back......oh dear!
I also don't exactly have 4 "great" strokes like some IMers do, so I use my Fly to get out quick. I do use an easy speed (but fast) fly, and then just get through the backstroke. After that, it's almost a coin flip as to whether it's going to be a good or bad race. If I can keep stretched out in the ***, then it's a good day, but if my stroke is shortening...:afraid:
Story of my life! My worst stroke is the backstroke though. I use my technique in the fly to get me out with good pace and then focus so hard on just staying in touch in the back leg (without using too much leg energy). If i am in touch at the back/br turn then I feel confident I can win. If they have gone too far past in the back......oh dear!
