Help! I kick like a hummingbird

RE: Help! I kick like a hummingbird

Former Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:33:22 GMT

It could also be that your ankle flexibility is inefficient, in which case it would be good to progressively start some of these exercises. forums.usms.org/showthread.php Thanks for your responses.

RE: Help! I kick like a hummingbird

Former Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:31:55 GMT

I recommend you put away the pull buoy, get the latest version of the Total Immersion book and do the drills in there. It will work wonders for your technique, balance, and general comfort level in the water. Forget about yardage, do at least 50% drills until you figure out how to swim without sinking. You could also simultaneously do Ande's program to develop good kicking technique and general speed. Maybe you're lucky and have flexible feet already. If so, you'll probably progress quickly. If not, good luck and welcome to the club...

RE: Help! I kick like a hummingbird

Former Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:08:25 GMT

Thanks for your responses. Since I still can't string together any yardage, I paid close attention this morning to what I'm doing. I think I'm kicking like crazy because I'm sinking. I think my biggest problem is that I can't get a good breath, maybe because I'm simply too low in the pool. The lifeguard watched me and said that I'm bobbing up and down with my strokes. He suggested I try not to dig down so deeply. Then maybe my head will be closer to the surface, and I can get a good breath. I have a feeling, that if I could just breathe, I would slow down my kick and do some decent laps. I have been struggling since January! This is the hardest thing I've ever tried to learn. I commend you guys for mastering such a difficult sport! Cheryl

RE: Help! I kick like a hummingbird

ande — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:23:10 GMT

I suggest you get one on one swimming lessons from an excellent swimmer or coach the problem you think you have might not be what you need to fix first I have a feeling you're not getting enough propulsion from your pull Thanks for your responses. Since I still can't string together any yardage, I paid close attention this morning to what I'm doing. I think I'm kicking like crazy because I'm sinking. I think my biggest problem is that I can't get a good breath, maybe because I'm simply too low in the pool. The lifeguard watched me and said that I'm bobbing up and down with my strokes. He suggested I try not to dig down so deeply. Then maybe my head will be closer to the surface, and I can get a good breath. I have a feeling, that if I could just breathe, I would slow down my kick and do some decent laps. I have been struggling since January! This is the hardest thing I've ever tried to learn. I commend you guys for mastering such a difficult sport! Cheryl

RE: Help! I kick like a hummingbird

Former Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:34:22 GMT

You are having trouble timing your kick, and as a result you need to kick a lot more in order to stay afloat. I have never tried TI, but looking into it may be worth a shot from what I understand about the program, it seems perfect for your needs. Once you are able to balance better in the water, then I would say look at some of the stuff that others suggested in order to improve speed.

RE: Help! I kick like a hummingbird

Former Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:05:01 GMT

RE: Help! I kick like a hummingbird

ande — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:55:55 GMT

here's my answer www.usms.org/.../showpost.php

RE: Help! I kick like a hummingbird

ViveBene — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:08:48 GMT

Long recent thread on improving flutter kick, with many assists and references: forums.usms.org/showthread.php Good luck! VB