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
Parents
Former Member
Yes, quite and thanks for those ankle flexibility exercises Jonathan. I particularly like the third one. I do it everyday and can now hold that position for about 2 mins. Compare that to an agonizing few seconds when I first started.
My ankles have responded remarkably quickly to this new routine. But truly, the results are remarkable. I have a new found power in my kick that was never there before. My kick was so weak that, quite frankly, it made no difference if my legs were tied together. I kid you not! Now I can actually feel the water on the odd occassion in my flutter kick and really quite powerfully in my butterfly and SDK.
Syd
Syd,
That's great! I'm happy that this is working for you... As far as the SDK work, I've found it on my back to be easier as well... The fly takes more training, and it is a lot about the timing... After you have the flexibility, it's almost like you want to keep the feet closer to surface and push back from there...( a little tilt in the hips really helps with this) That's different than on your back, which is more like a scoop/push
Keep working at it, you'll improve even more... My fly kick did eventually get better, but not the quick results like on the back from the ankle flexibility.
Yes, quite and thanks for those ankle flexibility exercises Jonathan. I particularly like the third one. I do it everyday and can now hold that position for about 2 mins. Compare that to an agonizing few seconds when I first started.
My ankles have responded remarkably quickly to this new routine. But truly, the results are remarkable. I have a new found power in my kick that was never there before. My kick was so weak that, quite frankly, it made no difference if my legs were tied together. I kid you not! Now I can actually feel the water on the odd occassion in my flutter kick and really quite powerfully in my butterfly and SDK.
Syd
Syd,
That's great! I'm happy that this is working for you... As far as the SDK work, I've found it on my back to be easier as well... The fly takes more training, and it is a lot about the timing... After you have the flexibility, it's almost like you want to keep the feet closer to surface and push back from there...( a little tilt in the hips really helps with this) That's different than on your back, which is more like a scoop/push
Keep working at it, you'll improve even more... My fly kick did eventually get better, but not the quick results like on the back from the ankle flexibility.
