In the 50 Free and 500 Free respectively what percentage of my propulsion would ideally come from my legs versus my arms?
I understand that in the 50 free I'd use both for all their worth, but would still like to know for the typical swimmer what that ratio turns out to be.
In the 500 free I'm sure the tactics of oxygen consumption come in to play.
Thanks.
Former Member
Couldn't say a ratio, but you're going to need them both. Sawing off limbs won't make you faster, if that's what you're thinking.
Former Member
Couldn't say a ratio, but you're going to need them both. Sawing off limbs won't make you faster, if that's what you're thinking.
youtube.com/watch
Former Member
Well, if my strongest kick produced 20, 30, 50% (pick one) of my propulsion but used 80% of my oxygen then it would be wise to reduce the effort placed on the kick during the aerobic races (like the 500).
I assume that I want to give 100% effort to both legs and arms in a 50, but in a 500 what amount of effort do I give the legs?
In the 50 free I would say a strong kick could contribute 10-15% of the actual propulsion. In the 500 free the kick would typically produce close to 0%-5%. That is my opinion.
Don't confuse that with what the kick is actually doing for body alignment, balance and driving a rythm and cadence. This is where the contribution of the kick is crucial.
Due to the construction of us, the arms will be the main & legs the add on. I would hazzard the ratio to be 75% arms & 25& legs.
Former Member
Propultion is from the arms.
Former Member
At our recent State meet we had 2 great examples of the 500 free,
and the difference between swimmer #1 and the rest was pretty easy to see-the legs.
Most swimmers in the 500 hold back on the kick to preserve energy.
I could only find the link to the boys .......hope it works....
www.youtube.com/watch
Former Member
In the 50 free I would say a strong kick could contribute 10-15% of the actual propulsion. In the 500 free the kick would typically produce close to 0%-5%. That is my opinion.
Don't confuse that with what the kick is actually doing for body alignment, balance and driving a rythm and cadence. This is where the contribution of the kick is crucial.
Good answer. People forget how little the kick does. the only part of moving forward thekick contibute to the forward movement is when the foot, shin are facing backwards (Swimming Fastest). kick still works for balance.
Former Member
Propultion is from the arms.
George:
Then what do the legs do for you? Just keep you in a streamline position.:confused:
Former Member
I think people tend to underestimate how much they endurance they have to kick through an entire 500. I can't think of exact percentages, but I think a good strategy for a 500 is to really focus on kicking like hell off the walls. I think you'll find that your kick as a whole is a bit faster throughout, but that you kind of play a trick on your mind by making it think you're only working hard off the walls. So I would say, think legs off the walls and arms in between.
