Another kick question - need a diagnosis

Triathlon Forum
1

Background info
I’m an average swimmer. 1:40/100 race pace for longer distances. I’ve never timed a fast 100, but I’d guess 1:15ish. I really enjoy reading the swim technique posts because it is all good/new info to me. I can visualize and understand all of the drills that get discussed, and practice some of them when I remember, but don’t usually know if I’m doing things right. During the recent post about 2, 4, or 6-beat kicks, I couldn’t answer to myself what beat kick I typically do.

The problem
During kick sets I get crushed. I’m fop with my weekly swim group, but absolutely bop during kick sets. It’s finally become obvious to me that developing a more effective kick is a good next step to improving my swim.

The question
Can anyone offer some advice (drills, technique advice, etc…) on how to make my kicking more effective?

2

If you’re coming from a running background, ankle flexibility is often a big limiter. Do some ankle stretching while you’re on dry land (someone around here can explain the details better than I could) and play around with short fins while you’re in the pool.

A good swimmer has the ankle flexibility and toe point of a ballerina while they’re in the water.

Common problem #2- kicking from the knee instead of from the hip. Kicking streamline on your back can help in terms of drill because it’s harder to kick with the knees when you’re on your back.

3

If you’re coming from a running background, ankle flexibility is often a big limiter. Do some ankle stretching while you’re on dry land (someone around here can explain the details better than I could) and play around with short fins while you’re in the pool.

A good swimmer has the ankle flexibility and toe point of a ballerina while they’re in the water.

Common problem #2- kicking from the knee instead of from the hip. Kicking streamline on your back can help in terms of drill because it’s harder to kick with the knees when you’re on your back.

Thanks.

4

Practice kicking with fins and do most of your kicking on your back with very straight legs on the downbeat.
DougStern