Swim Kick help
TommiTri
Posts: 879
in General Chat
Ok, I apologise in advance for yet another question on swimming technique, as this forum full of them, but I have quite a specific problem that I need some help with..My kick.
I was taught how to swim as a swimmer, by that I mean, i was taught to utilise the kick more, with a 6 beat kick. Since I began to train as a triathlete I focused on making my stroke more longer and so more efficient, but I cannot seem to teach my legs to kick only twice per stroke. It has not affected me too much, as up until now I have competed in mainly sprints, either 400 or 750 meters. But as I want to step up to olympic distance this year or next I really need to sort this problem out.
So my question is, does anybody know of any drills or anything I can do to try and teach my legs to stop kicking!
I was taught how to swim as a swimmer, by that I mean, i was taught to utilise the kick more, with a 6 beat kick. Since I began to train as a triathlete I focused on making my stroke more longer and so more efficient, but I cannot seem to teach my legs to kick only twice per stroke. It has not affected me too much, as up until now I have competed in mainly sprints, either 400 or 750 meters. But as I want to step up to olympic distance this year or next I really need to sort this problem out.
So my question is, does anybody know of any drills or anything I can do to try and teach my legs to stop kicking!
0
Comments
that said, if you really want to stop kicking so often, tie them together! use a bike ineer tube or some exercise bands. that way you'll be concentrating on using your arms. just be sure to keep your body long and straight in the water, dont let you're legs drag and drop below
Don't worry too much about that 2 beat kick though, a lot of people use 4 too, although not necessary if you wear a wetsuit.
I was in the water last night, and at the moment i'm using the pull bouy to do my distance!
I find my back end down in the water, even with the PB and so i kick every now and again to kind of 'rite me' if that makes sense!
The coach did some work with me last night on this, and so wondered waht the standard was and actually whether of not i should use the PB in the actual event?!
I think you might find that you are not allowed to use a pull bouy in the actual race.
I have been doing drills using a kick board to get my leg technique to improve - there are some good ones in the last issue of 220 - maybe this would help
Dont get me wrong, I have a strong and propulsive kick, I am pretty quick over the swim leg as a result, but the problem is I really do suffer on the bike as a result. I just can't teach my legs to reduce the kicking, as they are well timed with my arm action and core rotation!!
I just saw a few videos of triathlon swimmers in the pool, particularly TI swimmers, and they seem to kick to aid core rotation and balance, seems like they are going pretty fast, when it looks like they are taking it easy. I wanted to see if I swam more like that with a reduced number of kicks per stroke I could improve my bike times!
If only it wereaseasy to execute.
Looks like you're on the right track there, but be warned, TI is long term results but by long term practice and error only. Just search for some TI threads on this forum and you'll meet some very differing opinionsabout it.
some work to do me thinks....
And as for looks, i'll keep you posted in the next few weeks i intend to try out my new wet suit in the baths!!
Woo Hoo....
[:D]
Don't bother about what others think, we're not normal people; we're triathletes!!!
I know wot you mean about the drill. I was doing lateral kicking drills on my side today and getting some very strange looks. I don't think anyone in my pool has ever seen anyone doing drills, or any real swimming for that matter. Its full of people doing the slowest breaststroke ever, without even putting their heads under the water. Its also full of school kids on lessons being told "you must not get your hair wet" "why is that??? (she asks to the class)...because we will get cold!" Excuse me lady, have you noticed its a heated pool? They also have these magical things called hot showers, and apparently some clever geeza has invented something called a towel? apparently its to dry ones self with so one doesnt get cold. Me personally I'm happy with this leaf.
Oh the ranting.
Michael