Does anyone else here NOT kick when they swim freestyle?
When I was 19, a coach told me that a lot of "real" freestylers don't kick, which was a surprise to me because every other coach I'd had would yell at me to kick during my events. I grew up thinking I was the odd one out, but maybe someone on here knows what I'm talking about...
Parents
Former Member
When I was a swimmer my strength was my kick so I thought it was the most important thing. However since I have started coaching triathletes I have changed my tune.
If the person has very little flexibility in their ankles then they are better off not kicking hard, rather use very small movements of their legs.
The next time you swim try kicking with rigid ankles and see what direction you go in.
I do agree with the previous posts saying that you must kick but there is always an exception to the rule. When it comes to adults these exceptions are more common.
Cheers
Dave
When I was a swimmer my strength was my kick so I thought it was the most important thing. However since I have started coaching triathletes I have changed my tune.
If the person has very little flexibility in their ankles then they are better off not kicking hard, rather use very small movements of their legs.
The next time you swim try kicking with rigid ankles and see what direction you go in.
I do agree with the previous posts saying that you must kick but there is always an exception to the rule. When it comes to adults these exceptions are more common.
Cheers
Dave
