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.
Yes ↑ , just any athletic watch will do. Some can store 30+ splits and cost less than $30. Just get one that has a nice big start/stop button that detentes easily.
As far as accuracy is concerned, it really is not needed for gauging progress. Precision is the important thing, and the more you time yourself, the more precise it becomes. You just have to standardize the procedure, use the same pool (even lane), time of day, suit, kick board, and method of time.
You can do it like this:
With board in hand ready to go, hit start then GO!
Kick
Hit the wall and STOP as soon as you can.
Once you've gotten your timing down after a dozen or so practice attempts, your precision should be within 0.2 - 0.5 seconds, which is quite reasonable for gauging.
Once you do the real test, try 3 attempts with 5 minutes rest. Don't forget to kick as if a crocodile is chasing you and think through the wall.
Yes ↑ , just any athletic watch will do. Some can store 30+ splits and cost less than $30. Just get one that has a nice big start/stop button that detentes easily.
As far as accuracy is concerned, it really is not needed for gauging progress. Precision is the important thing, and the more you time yourself, the more precise it becomes. You just have to standardize the procedure, use the same pool (even lane), time of day, suit, kick board, and method of time.
You can do it like this:
With board in hand ready to go, hit start then GO!
Kick
Hit the wall and STOP as soon as you can.
Once you've gotten your timing down after a dozen or so practice attempts, your precision should be within 0.2 - 0.5 seconds, which is quite reasonable for gauging.
Once you do the real test, try 3 attempts with 5 minutes rest. Don't forget to kick as if a crocodile is chasing you and think through the wall.
