Do you need your legs to kick in freestyle when swimming?

Question

Some say yes to using legs while you swim freestyle, but i go just as fast without them and conserve energy. Any opinions? Some people i talk to do it just for a work out, but say if they are going long distance, they do not use them because it tires them out. Others say, always use your legs at all times. Thanks for your opinion.

Answer 1

Swimming crawl stroke efficiently requires proper hydrodynamics, that is: a streamlined position in the water to minimize drag and allow for maximum application of power.  The amount of forward directed power you get from the kick is perhaps 10 or 15 percent of the total forward propulsion (the rest comes from the arms), but at the same time the kick is crucial in maintaining the proper streamlined position.

With the sport of swimming as competetive as can be, an effective kick easily makes the difference between 1st and 4th place, or even getting to the finals!  Most swimmers concentrate on their arms, but room for improvement is often more easily found with the kick.

Answer 2

Using your freestyle kick, can be very important to your stroke. I used to find my pull quicker than my full swim stroke until i learned a good rhythm. Take a look on youtube for Ian Thorpe, he's one of the few high level male swimmers who uses his kick as the main aspect of his stroke. I would practice incorporating it into your stroke during practice and eventually you should notice an improvement in your times. Another thing to consider is injury. I was so focused on myarms and upper body that when i injured my shoulder it took me forever to swim because my legs were so out of shape.So yes, kick is the other half of your stroke don't forget about it.

Answer 3

That is a stupid idea to not kick. If i didnt have my kick i would be SOOO slow. My kick is my best thing. Kicking fast shouldnt make u that tired. try doing dryland stuff. i do and my legs dont ever get tired. Good Luck :)

Answer 4

For endurance you want to use the largest muscle you can; it will be more efficient than smaller ones. But many folks don't get much out of their kick, so you are not alone in that.

You need to work on the kick, then. Try various techniques using legs only and see which ones work best, then practice them.

Competitive swimmers have great kicks, so it can be done.

Answer 5

yes you should especially if you do long distants. I do the 200 and I need all my leg power mainly because I have back two minuets before my 200 and im soo pooped i have to use my legs to keep my going, but a boy that does the 50 and 100 dosent kick at all and has gone to CIF and is the fastest on the team.

Answer 6

well it depends, are u a compettitive swimmer? if you are the YES! i think u will get disqualiffied if u dont, it makes u faster, gets ur heart rate up, gives u better stamina, and it helps u lose wait and gain muscle, yes doing it w/ out legs is good for some practice, but dont 4get 2 work out ur legs! good luck!

Answer 7

You should always use your legs because it helps you to go faster. I swim the 500 and I use my legs to go faster. It may tire you out, but in the long run  it will strengthen your legs and make you go faster.

Answer 8

yes it makes you go faster