I am a beginning swimmer who has been a competetive runner and ultrarunner for a long time. When I started swimming, I thought it would be easy to develop a kick. It turns out that this is one of my major weaknesses. For example, I can barely make it accroos the pool when kicking behind a kickboard. I need some tips on getting my kick up to par!!
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Former Member
I have been "prowling" the boards for some time, and finally feel that perhaps I can contribute an idea - I coach Masters swimmers, many of whom come from a running background. The only time I use a kickboard really is for non swimmers. Kicking with a kickboard (as a swimmer with a weak kick) probably will only a)fatigue your quadriceps and b)teach you how to kick faster with a kickboard. Others may disagree, but I find that kicking on your side (one arm extended) or back (streamline or with hands down) without a board will better your feel for the water, develop a kick which works WITH the rest of your body during the stroke AND balance the quadricep/hamstring work.
Just a thought.
I have been "prowling" the boards for some time, and finally feel that perhaps I can contribute an idea - I coach Masters swimmers, many of whom come from a running background. The only time I use a kickboard really is for non swimmers. Kicking with a kickboard (as a swimmer with a weak kick) probably will only a)fatigue your quadriceps and b)teach you how to kick faster with a kickboard. Others may disagree, but I find that kicking on your side (one arm extended) or back (streamline or with hands down) without a board will better your feel for the water, develop a kick which works WITH the rest of your body during the stroke AND balance the quadricep/hamstring work.
Just a thought.
