Swimming is a fantastic way to stay active and get a full-body workout, but it requires a lot of attention to detail to do it right. One of the most important aspects of swimming is the kick, which propels you forward and provides stability in the water. Unfortunately, many swimmers make common mistakes when it comes to their kicks, which can limit their speed and cause other issues. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common kicking mistakes swimmers make and how to avoid them.
Skipping Leg Day
You may be crushing it at the gym, but if you’re not dedicating enough time to your legs in the pool, you’re missing out on an essential aspect of swimming. Kicking requires a different set of muscles than other exercises, so it’s important to devote plenty of time to practicing your kicks. Kick sets, kicking drills, and incorporating equipment like fins or resistance gear can help you build strength and improve your technique.
Kicking Too Much
It’s a common misconception that kicking as hard as possible will make you go faster, but that’s not the case. Your leg muscles require blood and oxygen to function, and kicking too hard can tire you out quickly. Instead, focus on your body rotation and pull technique, and allow your kicks to support your movements at a natural pace.
Kicking Too Big
Bigger is not always better when it comes to swimming kicks. In fact, kicking too big can create more drag and slow you down. Instead, work on minimising the time your legs spend outside of your body line and focus on making smaller, faster kicks.
Poor Technique
Kicking with incorrect technique can create bad habits and limit your speed in the long run. It’s important to practice good technique for each type of kick, including the dolphin kick, breaststroke kick, and flutter kick. For example, the dolphin kick should be a continuous undulation, and the breaststroke kick requires driving your heels to your butt as quickly as possible.
Poor Flexibility
Having good flexibility in your ankles and feet is crucial for executing proper kicking technique. Make sure to stretch regularly and incorporate fins into your workouts to help improve your flexibility over time.
Overall, kicking mistakes can be common among swimmers, but with practice and attention to detail, they can be corrected. Working with a swim coach or taking lessons can provide valuable feedback to help you improve your technique and avoid forming bad habits. Devoting enough time and energy to perfecting your kicks is essential for becoming a stronger and more efficient swimmer.
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