Some time before xmas someone, it might have been Chris Stevenson, posted about a workout where they did a kick set with shoes on, reducing the flexibility of the ankle. He commented that his kicking speed was cut in half. I didn't get around to asking but have been wondering if that was literally true? If the difference is that large perhaps I'll start doing ankle stretches when we are assigned kick sets... :D
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Former Member
I've never tried kicking with shoes on, but it seems like the added weight of the shoes would be more of a factor than the reduction in ankle flexibility. Also, if ankle flexibility is such a big factor, why would you do something (i.e., kick with shoes) to decrease this? To me it seems sort of like intentionally dropping your elbow on the catch. Possibly interesting as an experiment, but not very valuable as a training tool.
It was one of about 20 or 30 things we did as kids that were what we now call drills to help improve our swim technique. It is surprising how useful these things are.
I've never tried kicking with shoes on, but it seems like the added weight of the shoes would be more of a factor than the reduction in ankle flexibility. Also, if ankle flexibility is such a big factor, why would you do something (i.e., kick with shoes) to decrease this? To me it seems sort of like intentionally dropping your elbow on the catch. Possibly interesting as an experiment, but not very valuable as a training tool.
It was one of about 20 or 30 things we did as kids that were what we now call drills to help improve our swim technique. It is surprising how useful these things are.
