I am just learning to swim and I am having a very difficult kicking in the correct way. My swim couch tells me that I am bending my legs too much and it seems like he has given up on me. How can I correct bending my legs. Can someone give me some tips to keep my legs straight while kicking. I am not moving at all while kicking.
I am sure it's obvious, but is there a simple definition of 2 beat and 6 beat kicks? I am sure it's kick 6 times for every two arm strokes but there must be more to it or there would also be a 4 beat kick.
Learn a
2 beat kick & a
6 beat kick
I am sure it's obvious, but is there a simple definition of 2 beat and 6 beat kicks? I am sure it's kick 6 times for every two arm strokes but there must be more to it or there would also be a 4 beat kick. In a 2 beat kick each kick is timed with your body roll. In a 6 beat kick, the 3rd and 6th kick are timed with the body roll. You need do have an odd number of kicks per stroke. A 4 beat kick doesn't work as one kick will work with your body roll and one will work against it. It is however possible with an uneven kick (3 in one stroke, 1 for the second stroke).
One other thing to consider is your body position. Lots of new swimmers tend to swim with their head too high and their legs too low. Your poor kicking technique may be related to your legs working to get out from under your body rather than to propel you forward. If this is the case you really need to correct your body position before you can hope to get a kick that actually provdies much propulsion.
edit: evilwatersprite's "swim downhill" tip is essentially what I'm saying.
I am just learning to swim and I am having a very difficult kicking in the correct way. My swim couch tells me that I am bending my legs too much and it seems like he has given up on me. How can I correct bending my legs. Can someone give me some tips to keep my legs straight while kicking. I am not moving at all while kicking.
* Show up a bit early for practice if possible and just kick -- with a board, without, on your back, with and without fins, etc.
* Point your toes a bit (which is often hard for new adult swimmers) -- I find this helps keep my legs straighter and helps with ankle flexibility.
* Swim downhill: Push your head and chest down, so your legs float up a bit and think about kicking from your hips, not your knees.
* You can even tie a theraband around your ankles so you can't bring your legs too far apart or bend your knees too much.
You will get it, it just takes a while to change habits. I've seen friends with bad kicks make progress over several weeks/months and you'll be no different.
Great advice from the other posters. You might also try this, which will give you a great ab workout as well! On the pool deck or gym floor or wherever, lie on your back with your arms bent and hands supporting the small of your back. Lift your legs off the floor and flutter kick (freestyle kick) in that position. You will literally see if you are bending your knees or your toes are not pointed enough, so you can correct those mistakes. I think 'dryland' drills of all types are great for new swimmers because they focus on a specific technique on familiar territory - land, instead of water. Welcome to swimming! Good luck!
Improving ankle flexibility will get you the most bang for your buck when trying to improve your kicking speed. If you add that into your regular training routine I think you'll be very pleased. Six to eight weeks. Good luck, Coach T.
