So earlier at practice I experimented with flat feet coming off every wall. There was a very noticeable difference. I could surface with ease past the flags, without any DKs. In my first two years of swimming, I have used just the balls (and toes) of my feet in coming off the walls.
Flat feet (that is, both ball and heel) feels a little awkward right now, like any technique change, but I think I'm going to start adjusting to it for permanent use.
Thanks to Jim Thornton who suggested I make this a poll!
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Former Member
I too have stayed out of this one until now...it is almost impossible to get a good push off with your feet flat, however, it is a better position to start the push from then just having the balls of your feet on the wall. Like Chris said above...you engage the calves more the closer your heels are to the wall. I think everyone is pretty much saying the same thing...it's how it's being said.
1. You want to start the push with your heels on or as close to the wall as possible.
2. You have to push off with the balls of your feet or you'll go nowhere.
The more you engage your calves and other leg muscles, the further you'll go. I think tomtopo is confusing people by saying you push off flat footed. You might start that way...but at some point you have to flex the calves and push from the balls...or bad turn.
I too have stayed out of this one until now...it is almost impossible to get a good push off with your feet flat, however, it is a better position to start the push from then just having the balls of your feet on the wall. Like Chris said above...you engage the calves more the closer your heels are to the wall. I think everyone is pretty much saying the same thing...it's how it's being said.
1. You want to start the push with your heels on or as close to the wall as possible.
2. You have to push off with the balls of your feet or you'll go nowhere.
The more you engage your calves and other leg muscles, the further you'll go. I think tomtopo is confusing people by saying you push off flat footed. You might start that way...but at some point you have to flex the calves and push from the balls...or bad turn.
