OK, I was kicking it in the pool with the seniors and I noticed a recurring theme among all of them.
Everyone was having thier foot exit the water by at least 2 inches. By this I mean the part of the foot from just below the ankle all the way to the toes. I also used to (until about 3 months ago) kick this exact same way until I started focusing on having just my heel break the surface of the water. This has helped me immensely on getting a better 'bite' with my foot and to hold more water.
Am I just crazy or do most swimmers not know the correct way to kick? Heck, I didn't, that's for sure (unless I'm completely off my rocker).
Anyone else find it easier to kick this way?
it's a bad idea to kick with stiff legs, it's slow & weak
when you flutter kick correctly begin with
there's a slight knee bend
then you move your calf & foot down with toes pointed
as soon as your leg goes a bit past neutral
you reverse & pop it up with toes pointed
also concentrate on "catching" water with your shins, calves & feet
on your up kick & down kick
How fast can you kick 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 & 200?
time yourself, work on improving
I was kicking with too straight a leg....I just brought in more flick by bending the knee. Speed is about the same but I don't get tired out and can't kick longer distances now. I think I had to work through a very straight leg kick period to where I am now. I know it strengthened my core by kicking virtually straight.
it's a bad idea to kick with stiff legs, it's slow & weak
when you flutter kick correctly begin with
there's a slight knee bend
then you move your calf & foot down with toes pointed
as soon as your leg goes a bit past neutral
you reverse & pop it up with toes pointed
also concentrate on "catching" water with your shins, calves & feet
on your up kick & down kick
How fast can you kick 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 & 200?
time yourself, work on improving
I was kicking with too straight a leg....I just brought in more flick by bending the knee. Speed is about the same but I don't get tired out and can't kick longer distances now. I think I had to work through a very straight leg kick period to where I am now. I know it strengthened my core by kicking virtually straight.
