Here is one of the most inefficient things taught or not focused on when learning to swim. When coaching I usually watch some of the swim lessons going on. Here is what I hear and see…”Kick, kick, kick, kick”. That’s all is said. In reality you don’t want to just kick like kicking a soccer ball (without any other kicking reference what do we know otherwise?). When you kick, your legs should be straight, feet pointed, and toes relaxed. Your legs should be springy and visualize them being connected into the body not just at the hips. Also, when you kick it shouldn’t just be with one side of your leg. You are missing a huge piece of propulsion and not using the strongest muscles in the body. Kick with both sides of your legs, up and down. Also, feel the water all around you legs and try to make it thicker feeling. When kicking the rhythm should always be even. Don’t let a larger kick slip into the rhythm. Keep the kick small and fast.
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
-Coach Ty http://swimworkoutsonline.com
Okay, so here's a question.... (yes, about legs...)
I was swimming my workout (solo) last week and a gentlemen in the next lane told me that he like everything about my stroke with the exception that my knees were not "locked", which allowed my legs to bend during the kick.
I thanked him politely, and tried to explain that some fluidity would be necessary, which caused him to get somewhat huffy, at which point he told me that (back) when he taught swimming in the Navy, the rule was lock and load.
So, any advice on this advice? :confused:
Okay, so here's a question.... (yes, about legs...)
I was swimming my workout (solo) last week and a gentlemen in the next lane told me that he like everything about my stroke with the exception that my knees were not "locked", which allowed my legs to bend during the kick.
I thanked him politely, and tried to explain that some fluidity would be necessary, which caused him to get somewhat huffy, at which point he told me that (back) when he taught swimming in the Navy, the rule was lock and load.
So, any advice on this advice? :confused:
