123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Sports >> View Article

Do You Have A "runner's Kick" When You Swim?

Profile Picture
By Author: Kevin Koskella
Total Articles: 10
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

Can you point your toes and straighten out your feet?

When you kick on your back, do you tend to go very slow, stay in one place, or even go backwards?

Do you have a tough time with swimming drills because your kick is not propelling you forward fast enough?

Do you wear fins in workouts just to "keep up"?

Did you start out as a runner and pick up swimming later to become a Triathlete?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you may have Runner's Kick!

Have no fear, there are things you can do. Even the worst of kickers can develop an adequate kick for freestyle, which is all you need for a triathlon swim. Here are some remedies:

1. Vertical Kicking. This drill has been around for a long time. Find water that is deep enough for you to kick in place. Let go of the wall, cross your arms, and kick in place in a vertical position (keep in a straight line), pointing your toes and keeping your chin above the surface of the water. Get your power from your quads and hips on this drill. Try 20 seconds at a time.

2. Use fins. Yes! I am a coach telling ...
... you to use fins. But not to "keep up" in workouts. IF you have ankle flexibility issues (Runner's Kick), use fins for a few weeks, but wean off them as you get closer to your event. The shorter kind are best. I prefer Hydrofinz (see below) but other brands may work okay as well. Fins can increase your ankle flexibility, allow you to do swimming drills with ease, and strengthen the right leg muscles you need to kick.

3. Sit on your feet. For more severe cases of Runner's Kick, sitting on your feet can greatly improve your ankle flexibility. In Yoga, just stay in "Child's Pose" a little longer and gain this extra benefit.

4. Just stretch. In a seated position, take one leg and bring it out in front of you. Extend your feet and push your toes toward the ground. Hold for about 15-20 seconds, repeat with other foot. You can do this several times a day.

Whatever you do, don't be tempted to use a kick board to improve your kick. For distance swimming and triathlons, you are wasting your time with the floatation devices!

Remember: You don't need a super kick to have a great race in a triathlon. Your kick is mainly for stability and body rotation.

Have patience, stick with these drills, and you will lose your Runners' Kick before you know it!

About the Author Kevin coaches masters and triathlete swimmers in San Diego, CA. He operates the website www.TriSwimCoach.com, a resource for future or current triathletes needing help with the swim. The site features a free email newsletter offering tips and articles on triathlon swimming. Kevin has also written an electronic book titled The Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming which is sold on his website www.triswimcoach.com in downloadable form.

Total Views: 174Word Count: 495See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Sports Articles

1. Conference League Final Tutelage: In-depth Goals Analysis Of The Entire League Phase
Author: Samina Khan

2. Strategy For Real Money Games Ensures Maximum Gains In Few Wins
Author: tigerexchange

3. Tiger Exchange Id | Tiger Exchange 247 Login | Cricket Betting Sign Up
Author: tigerexchange

4. Football Court With Running Track In Mahira Group Of Companies
Author: mahira group of companies

5. Marcus Stoinis Steps Away From Odi Cricket
Author: onlinecricketid

6. Experience The Ultimate Gaming Thrill With Tigerplay365
Author: Tigerplay365

7. Champions League Final Preliminary: The Top Fantasy Football Players In Outstanding Form
Author: Samina Khan

8. Top-5 Bowlers Who Took Most Wickets In T20i World Cups
Author: Cricket Bazaar

9. Conference League Final Epilog: Chelsea Loaned Disasi To Aston Villa Late In The Window
Author: Samina Khan

10. Champions League Final Devising: Guardiola Relieved As Man City Advance In Tough Season
Author: Samina Khan

11. Champions League Final Provision: Dream Team Top Selections And Hidden Gems
Author: Samina Khan

12. Europa League Final 2025 Incubation: Best League Phase Games Of 2024/25
Author: Samina Khan

13. Champions League Final Puff: Which Player Is The Best Fantasy Football Captain For Matchday 9?
Author: Samina Khan

14. Conference League Final Ballyhoo: A Prelude To Exciting Transfers And Team Building
Author: Samina Khan

15. India Bolsters Spin Attack With Varun Chakravarthy For England Odis Ahead Of Champions Trophy
Author: Noah Whitman

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: