Flutter kicks...break the surface of the water or not?

Question

For the past five months I have incorporated weekly swims into my fitness routine. I am up to 3/4 mile in about forty or so minutes but I feel like my arms and legs are moving much faster than that. Also, I am being lapped by (no offense but I am young and in good physical condition) old people who don't appear to be putting out half the effort I am. Watching them, I observe that some break the surface of the water when kicking and some do not. I wonder which is the proper technique. Anyone know? The strokes I use are free style and back stroke.

Answer 1

For all things relating to swimming technique check out http//:www.goswim.tv for a ton of great videos and articles (don't worry it's free)

For your situation I would guess that the big issue is the form of your kick, not the range.  The leg should be mainly straight, with only minor flexing of the knee.  The kick originates in the hip, with a range of motion of 5-8 inches.  Make sure to point the toes (I tell my young swimmers to think 'ballerina toes').

Also as another answerer said, the main propulsion in free and back is the arms, not the legs.  Check out some of the videos on GoSwim and try and make your arms look like theirs.  I think you'll find a big difference.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I have been a competitive swimming now for about 10 years now.  My coach tells us to always make "white water" behind us when we race.  My advice to you is to break the surface but also make sure you kick under the surface too.  It will make you go a lot faster.  It might feel weird when you first start, but that's normal, if you continue this technique, you will get faster and it will seem a lot easier.  Hoped this helped!

Answer 3

Once your legs come out of the water, all that potential energy is lost. However, if you keep your legs too deep down, you will tire down faster and also create more drag.

Answer 4

In my experience, having swum competitively for many years when younger, and non comp for many more years since, I find most power comes from the upper body in both strokes you refer to. It suggests to me that, although the flutter kicks breaking the surface may help you a little, you maybe need some help with the actual arm stroke.

When you do the freestyle you should break the surface with your elbow of the trailing arm and throw the arm forward. The hand should reach as far forward as poss, fingers together (or very slightly apart) and enter the water using the centre line of the body as a guide. You should then pull under water down this centre line until, again, the elbow is at the point it can break the surface of the water.

I appreciate that this sounds confusing so my further advice would be to ask a coach to simply watch the stroke and give their advice - only a few minutes worth, I'm not suggesting you pay for a private lesson. Alternatively, join a swimming club. You don't have to race but they will help with the stroke and you will get some good exercise too.