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.
no board. streamlined with snorkle.
Are you just as quick with snorkle than with a board, or have you not tested your board times yet? I'm about 4 whole seconds slower without board. Haven't tried a snorkle yet, but I am interested for sure.
I have been doing this kick program for a couple of weeks with two masters buddies, and have started to get really bad leg and foot cramps. I think all of the rest in the 25 m kick sets is letting my muscles cool down too much. Should I just cut back on the rest, or do an easy 50 swim instead of resting at the wall?
For me, cramps happen when the related muscles aren't used to the activity level or endurance. Stretching and active recovery helps for me but, all the same, I eventually get used to the change and cramping doesn't happen until I push even harder.
kicking times
25 / 50 / 75 / 100 scy
12/23/09 :17, :38, 1:03, 1:28, push, pace clock
12/22/09 :17, :39, 1:04, 1:30, push, pace clock
12/16/09 :18, :40, 1:03, 1:30, push, pace clock
12/09/09 :18, :40, 1:04, 1:33, push, pace clock
rested more. built pace more slowly on the 100.
25 felt great. surprised it wasn't a better time. found waterproof stopwatch so should have better accuracy next session.
Ande, do you use a different kick for the 25 vs the 100? i have noticed that i naturally tend to use a more shallow kick on the longer distances and that my foot comes out of the water more.
Are you just as quick with snorkle than with a board, or have you not tested your board times yet? I'm about 4 whole seconds slower without board. Haven't tried a snorkle yet, but I am interested for sure.
hey Steve,
don't know if streamlined w/snorkle or board kick is faster. i just don't like to use kickboards. mainly use them for the occasional "social kick" aka "board meeting" at team practices.
i'm guessing that if a kickboard helps you 4 seconds for a 25 then maybe you have a body position issue. that could be a big opportunity to improve your freestyle. you've got me curious now so i'll check my time with a board next chance.
kicking times
12/26/09 :16.7, :38.2, 1:01.6, 1:30.1, push, stop watch
That is awsome shane.
I just hit a wall several days ago, can't improve on anything. In fact my 400 is getting slower every time out (I do a 400 M warm-up).
Have to take the camera to the pool and see what's up, and do alot of slow stuff trying to keep everything pretty.
This kicking thing however has built some new muscles on my legs.
thanks Steve,
i was more rested than usual due to holiday schedule so not sure if i can hit those times again right away.
you will break thru your wall. you have dropped a lot of time just recently anyway so maybe one week could be considered more of a consolidation period than a wall. i do think the video idea is good though, i should do the same thing.
Are you just as quick with snorkle than with a board, or have you not tested your board times yet? I'm about 4 whole seconds slower without board. Haven't tried a snorkle yet, but I am interested for sure.
went 17.7 today with board vs 17.0 with snorkle. i think the difference is that for me the position and breathing feel more relaxed which allows me to concentrate more on kicking afap.
great job Shane & welcome back Syd.
Is there anyone else out there who wants to improve their flutter kicking speed in 2010?
follow the training I've listed, test once a week and report your results
Kick Faster Faster
Ande
Help My flutter Kick is Horrible
U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Help My Flutter Kick is Horrible!
my original advice
My last post on this thread (November 12th 2007) 2 years ago!
Syd's 25m flutter kick time chart
11/12 21.46
09/07 22.90
07/03 23.59
06/28 24.10
06/20 25.84
Well, after a month-long lay off due to a severe ear infection, I am back in the water again, and this time I am determined to improve my kicking. In fact, it is my swimming resolution for 2010. So far, so good.
12/16 21.31
12/23 20.64
(All 25m, self-timed, from a push off, with a board)
Woot! For the first time a sub 20 feels within my reach. I am kicking about 500 - 600 meters every other day. It probably doesn't sound like a lot, but when you consider that I am only swimming about 1800m a session, you will realise that it is about a third of my total distance. At any rate, compared to my 200-slow-kick-once-a-week (or whenever) approach of the past, it is a vast increase in distance. This has undoubtedly improved my stamina. I can now go flat out for an entire 25m without total muscle break down. As soon as I can go sub 20 I want to add 50's to my repertoire.
The extra time I have spent kicking has given me more time to think about, and improve on, my kicking form. I have found by making small adjustments to my kick I can increase my speed. Specifically, if I keep my toes pointed, my feet closer together and make smaller, faster kicks, I go faster. I am really excited about 2010 and I am hoping that this focus on kicking is going to give me the boost needed to achieve my time goals.
