Some people feel like they are kicking hard and not going anywhere or going at a snail’s pace. Others actually seem to move in reverse because they have not yet learned to kick efficiently.
The flutter kick is used in freestyle and backstroke and is also a large part of many swimming drills so becoming a proficient kicker is extremely important to becoming a better swimmer.
There are many reasons a swimmer may not be getting all they can out of their flutter kick.
KICKING FROM THE KNEES:
There is a misconception that the harder the kick, the faster the swimmer. This is not always the case. If a swimmer is only bending the knees to kick, the majority of the energy will be wasted no matter how hard or fast the kicking motion. (Common with Runners and Cyclists)
INFLEXIBLE ANKLES:
Ankle flexibility is one of the most crucial aspects of a powerful and efficient freestyle kick. If there is a nice range of motion in the ankle area, the feet are able to act as small fins. Flexible ankles can allow a swimmer to more easily point the toes which aids in maintaining the lower streamline position. A flexible ankle also decreases drag.
UNBALANCED KICKING:
Successful flutter kicking relies on the balance of the right and left leg movements. The right leg should move up the same distance the left arm moves up and vice versa. Additionally, the ankle flexibility for both legs should be as balanced as possible. Swimmers often move the legs to wide apart or up and down which proves very counterproductive.
IGNORING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARM STROKE:
Many swimmers also have the preconceived notion that the kick is the most important aspect of the freestyle and backstroke. While kicking is obviously important, it is the upper and lower body working together that makes a swimmer more effective and ultimately faster.
KICKING TIPS:
Use Swimming Fins to increase ankle flexibility.
Perform Ankle Flexibility Exercises on a Regular basis.
Strengthen your Hip Flexors (Stronger and more flexible hip flexors will allow you to have a tighter, faster kick). Many Pilates exercises work this area - front and back leg kick, bicycle kick and big and small leg circles are a few. And Pilates isn’t just for women. There are several workout DVDs with Pilates exercises for men.
The flutter kick is used in freestyle and backstroke and is also a large part of many swimming drills so becoming a proficient kicker is extremely important to becoming a better swimmer.
There are many reasons a swimmer may not be getting all they can out of their flutter kick.
KICKING FROM THE KNEES:
There is a misconception that the harder the kick, the faster the swimmer. This is not always the case. If a swimmer is only bending the knees to kick, the majority of the energy will be wasted no matter how hard or fast the kicking motion. (Common with Runners and Cyclists)
INFLEXIBLE ANKLES:
Ankle flexibility is one of the most crucial aspects of a powerful and efficient freestyle kick. If there is a nice range of motion in the ankle area, the feet are able to act as small fins. Flexible ankles can allow a swimmer to more easily point the toes which aids in maintaining the lower streamline position. A flexible ankle also decreases drag.
UNBALANCED KICKING:
Successful flutter kicking relies on the balance of the right and left leg movements. The right leg should move up the same distance the left arm moves up and vice versa. Additionally, the ankle flexibility for both legs should be as balanced as possible. Swimmers often move the legs to wide apart or up and down which proves very counterproductive.
IGNORING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ARM STROKE:
Many swimmers also have the preconceived notion that the kick is the most important aspect of the freestyle and backstroke. While kicking is obviously important, it is the upper and lower body working together that makes a swimmer more effective and ultimately faster.
KICKING TIPS:
Use Swimming Fins to increase ankle flexibility.
Perform Ankle Flexibility Exercises on a Regular basis.
Strengthen your Hip Flexors (Stronger and more flexible hip flexors will allow you to have a tighter, faster kick). Many Pilates exercises work this area - front and back leg kick, bicycle kick and big and small leg circles are a few. And Pilates isn’t just for women. There are several workout DVDs with Pilates exercises for men.
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