This was written in reply to someone who feels that I go overboard on the importance of kicking in swimming.

Keep in mind, I get paid to teach swimming, not triathlon.

Teaching the entire skill

In my swimming clinics I teach how to swim faster than when they came into the class. I give them a knowledge base to use as they see fit and modify as they need.

Many people who come into my class are aspiring triathletes who use swimming as part of their sport. Once they have their swimming skills they can make adjustments in intensity to suit their needs. I would be remiss if I not include kicking as part of the total skill.

If you are going to race 50 yards you would swim with a very strong kick. If you are swimming 2.4 miles with a wetsuit you would not use your legs much more than for rhythm.

Kicking is a great abdominal and lower body conditioner. It strengthens your legs for the run and bike in addition to getting your body on the surface for the swim.

If you kick with a kickboard and have your head out of the water your will need to use your abdominal muscles to keep your back flat. It is also the only time in a workout when you can talk to someone else while training.

DougStern