Arms vs Legs?

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:44:58 GMT

I believe the legs get the body in a position in the water, that allows the arms to work more effetively propel the body through the water. The higher the whole body including the legs are the faster you will swim. If your legs are dragging the arms have a problem. I once swam a 400m race in Mexico city 7000 feet above sea level. My legs were fine for the first 150 but then they became vertical. I was kicking like I would for a 100m race.

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:27:02 GMT

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.

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:03:45 GMT

Propultion is from the arms. George: Then what do the legs do for you? Just keep you in a streamline position.:confused:

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 05:08:32 GMT

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.

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:57:08 GMT

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

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:53:34 GMT

Propultion is from the arms.

RE: Arms vs Legs?

orca1946 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:24:39 GMT

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.

RE: Arms vs Legs?

rtodd — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:05:11 GMT

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:40:26 GMT

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?

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:17:51 GMT

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

RE: Arms vs Legs?

Former Member — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:11:40 GMT

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.