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.
If you don't already use one, you might consider using a snorkel during your kick sets. When I returned to swimming last year, I was having some trouble with my kicking due to using a kick board, which really bothered my shoulders. Based on the experiences shared by others on the forum, I bought a swimmer's snorkel and found it not only helped ease the stress on my shoulders, it puts me in a much better position (i.e., swimming downhill) while kicking. As a result, my kicking has improved immensely.
Don't get discouraged. Just keep at it and I'm sure you'll get there.
Engage your entire core and upper hamstrings/glute muscles when you kick! (Easier said than done)
If you're having a hard time lie on your stomach on the floor and practice lifting your straight legs 3 or 4 inches off the floor. Practice flutter kicking gently on the floor in the same manor. You will soon learn what it feels like to engage these muscles and the next step is to do it in the water.
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. For myself, still new to swimming, the difference between the 2 and 6 is that the 6 beat is twice as exhausting for a marginal increase of velocity. The 4 beat kick I can't comprehend.
First of all you do not want to force the legs to be straight. Do not force the toes to point. You need to relax the ankles, relax the calf muscles. I like the idea of kicking on the back. I would work on doing a six beat kick you can always change to a four beat or two beat later if you wish.
Head position is very important. You may want it lower or you may find you may have the head higher. We have not had a chance to see what you are doing.
Your arms also control leg position. If you slap the water on entry your legs will drop. If you finish too soon your legs will drop. If the arms do not exit cleanly your legs will drop.
