The study doesn't suggest that kicking without a board is any better than kicking with one.
I do both (with and without board). The current trend seems to denigrate the kickboard but I think it is just fine, helpful to build leg/core strength and conditioning. It can be stressful on shoulders and neck, though; not good to overdo it.
I think the key is to kick with intensity. The most common mistake (made by swimmers and coaches alike) is to treat kick sets as recovery between "real" sets.
The study doesn't suggest that kicking without a board is any better than kicking with one.
I do both (with and without board). The current trend seems to denigrate the kickboard but I think it is just fine, helpful to build leg/core strength and conditioning. It can be stressful on shoulders and neck, though; not good to overdo it.
I think the key is to kick with intensity. The most common mistake (made by swimmers and coaches alike) is to treat kick sets as recovery between "real" sets.
