I've recently posted on trying to improve my kick and received some great advice - in addition, I've searched the archives for different kicking threads and there are several great discussions on improving the kick.
My question is what is the best way to bridge the gap between doing kick sets and incorporating the kick into my freestyle? I'll do an incredible number of kick sets but as soon as I start to focus on something upper body my kick seems to go back to my weaker flutter kick. I should preface this question by stating I really haven't been doing strong kick sets all that long so maybe I just need more time. Are there other techniques I should be using? For example, focus my thinking on a strong kick and nothing else (upper body) until I see improvements? Or some variation like focus on strong kicking with freestyle every other 25???
I have the same problem Jesse!
I can do tons of isolated kick sets but I feel like my body roll is initiated in my hips and that in turn controls the rhythm of my kick.(2 beat usually)
I really only know 2 things that help me:
1) A drill from Donna H. (GAJA) Wear 1 hand paddle. Determine how many kicks you want per arm cycle. Each time the paddle hand enters the water a stroke cycle is complete and your # should be reached. Be sure to switch hands halfway through the set.
2) Sometimes I do swim sets (easy usually) and concentrate on kick rhythm only. These sets really wear me out!
If you find any other great ideas let me know. I am a terrible kicker!
I have the same problem Jesse!
I can do tons of isolated kick sets but I feel like my body roll is initiated in my hips and that in turn controls the rhythm of my kick.(2 beat usually)
I really only know 2 things that help me:
1) A drill from Donna H. (GAJA) Wear 1 hand paddle. Determine how many kicks you want per arm cycle. Each time the paddle hand enters the water a stroke cycle is complete and your # should be reached. Be sure to switch hands halfway through the set.
2) Sometimes I do swim sets (easy usually) and concentrate on kick rhythm only. These sets really wear me out!
If you find any other great ideas let me know. I am a terrible kicker!
