In Swimming, which is the correct way to kick the water?

Question

I have joined swimming classes. I am 38 years of age. It is a month since the coach told us to kick and all the chaps (kids from age 5 onwards) have mastered the kick, except me. Do you start kicking from the hips or is it from the knees ? And, How about the Ankle part of the leg ? Should I stretch the ankle like a Russain ballet dancer on her toes and then start hitting the water, flat ? Every other person in the swimming class, I am sure are following their own methods. No two persons follow the same and i am getting different answers from my batch mates, to my above doubts. Please provide me with the correct technique that will help me to learn swimming..

Answer 1

It take practice and trial and error to get it right for "you". I put quotes for the word "you" because each of us are built different. Some people will have a easier time kicking while others will have a difficult time. Take me for instance. I have legs that are like sinkers. If I float on top of the water relaxed my legs will gradually sink. :D Anyway, relax. I had the same experience like you when I first learn to swim where everyone have walked around the pool and I was the only one left on the other side. Because I was committed to learn how to swim I was one of the best swimmers by the end of the class. I even go further and became a lifeguard in 2 years. So relax and try variation of kicking to get what's right for you. Also, you might look at how fish and other people swim. See what they're doing and imagine you doing it. Seeing is learning too. That's how we have dophlin kick as part of a swimming stroke. The movement (kicking) should be graceful unless you're racing in the Olympus. If I have to discribe which muscles to use I would say 60% hip, 30% knee, and 10% ankle for the freestyle; 35% hip 35% knee 30% ankle for the breaststroke kick;.... Hope this helps. It really depends on which style you're doing.

Answer 2

Crawl: You do the flutter kick which is when you alternate kicking up and down with your feet. This is the easiest kick.

Backstroke: The flutter kick too only you're on your back.

Breastroke: The frog kick. Your feet move apart and then snap back together.

Butterfly: The dolphin kick. Both of your legs go up and down at the same time.

Answer 3

The correct form is in an upward downward fashion with your feet angled at approximately 45 degrees

Answer 4

swimming is a very good sport you have to move your feet more and a gentle move from your hips and knees , keep your body straight for freestyle move ur hands straight and breathe properly while swimming if u do not breathe properly then u will loose control from ur body and keep ur head in control. never stop moving ur hands in between u swim that will lead to a cut off in your speed. i think my some of these tips may help you....

Answer 5

first of all, relax. swimming for pleasure should be a very relaxing thing.i think that i kick from the hips. but i don't really think about it.

Answer 6

flat footed

Answer 7

feet first

Answer 8

i dunno.