In general, when I swim with a group, I notice that I usually am at the front on kick sets without fins. When, however, we have sets with fins, I usually fall behind. Why is this?
The other day, I was swimming with the high school group and they were begging to do a 10 x 100 kick with fins on 1:10. No way could I make this. When I suggested doing 10 x 100 kick on 1:45 without fins, nobody thought they could make it. In fact, the coach gave a small set of 100s on 1:45 that was without fins and I thought it was pretty easy while the others could barely make it.
In any case, why do I stink on fin work when I am a pretty strong kicker without the fins? Is this a bad thing?
Parents
Former Member
Here is my theory right now. You have very flexible ankles, and your propulsive force is from the foot, with very little benefit from the shin, and almost no knee bend. When you put fins on, you maintain the same style, and your propulsive force is limited by your ankle as the fulcrum instead of your knee. This theory turns out to be true for me.
I can kick a 50m under 40sec but I hate Fins so much that I'd basically skip a set if forced to use them. This piece of gear is irrelevant for me and above all, they hurt my ankles big time.
Here is my theory right now. You have very flexible ankles, and your propulsive force is from the foot, with very little benefit from the shin, and almost no knee bend. When you put fins on, you maintain the same style, and your propulsive force is limited by your ankle as the fulcrum instead of your knee. This theory turns out to be true for me.
I can kick a 50m under 40sec but I hate Fins so much that I'd basically skip a set if forced to use them. This piece of gear is irrelevant for me and above all, they hurt my ankles big time.
