Hi,
I have major issues with the freestyle swim. My instructor tells me that my body is not streamlined when I do the freestyle. It is apparently bent at my hips and waist. My kick isn't great either -- I'm fine when I start off, but after a while I can feel my kick getting weaker. Infact, while doing kick exercises with a kickboard, I seem to go no where after a while. Things are slightly better on my backstroke, but my legs sink after a while and my body isn't streamlined any more. I should probably also mention that my breaststroke is pretty good.
Any tips you guys may have regarding body position and kicking will be greatly appreciated.
Former Member
Hi (from another part of the UK)
I'm no expert but it sounds like it might be a core strength situation. I had the same problem a few months ago and my coach has beasted me to swim level and high in the pool.
It's been about buildingr core strength, concentrating on pulling my backside up and trying to break the surface with heels in flutter kick.
Seems to be working.
Caveat - I'm a rookie with an ace coach, listen to coaches not rookies like me!
I was told sculling helps in correcting the body position. What do you guys think?I'm not one to consult for technical advice on form but I'm thinking this might be bad info.
You would think correct body position comes from larger muscle groups from the core outwards. The sculling is for maintaining position from stability, and efficient propulsion from the hands.
Read these threads (the first is to get a kick that actually helps, the second has a few tips on how to keep your body streamlined at all times):
Help My Flutter Kick is Horrible! - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
www.usms.org/.../showthread.php
One other thing to be conscious of is your head position. Many beginner swimmers lift their heads and this will cause your legs to drop. You want the water line to hit your forehead and you want this level to be maintained throughout your stroke. In order to do this you can't lift your head when you breathe.
I think your poor kick may be a result of your bad body position rather than a cause of it. You are working your legs trying to lift them closer to the surface rather than using them to propel you forward. Once you get your body position corrected you won't have to kick so hard.
You might want to start out by trying to correct your body position without swimming. Just float face down with your arms in a streamlined position in front of you. Make sure the water is hitting your forward and your spine is as flat as possible. When you need to breathe just turning your head rather than lifting it. It might be helpful to start out using a kickboard or two under your stomach.
Hi guys,
Thanks for all the advice. I've also been practising with fins, and I can see a few more issues. I tend to roll to sides much more than others, and I'm told it could be due to lack of core strength. Do you have any suggestions for improving core strength?
Also, my feet are breaking the surface of the water much more than others, esp. when we all have fins on. Is that normal? How much of your foot should be out of the water (not very much I would presume)?
My instructor tells me to beat/kick down with the fins on. I can see what she means, but I can't seem to put it in practise.
