Need advice on swimming and coordination?

Question

I decided to take swimming as a college course. I am taking it because I want to learn how to swim. Unfortunately most people are in it for exercise. Anyway, when I just use the kick board I have a strong kick and when I just use my arms I have a pretty strong stroke. The problem I have been having is I can't use both at the same time. When I use my arms my legs suddenly stop moving. When I move my legs, my arms suddenly stop moving. Any advice on making this not happen? Thanks a bunch.

Answer 1

just start by pulling and then try to gradually add the kick.

Answer 2

Don't stress over this!  Long distance olympic swimmers (example kate zeigler) don't kick at all.  The only time that girl kicks is in the last 200yards of a 1650 race.  

Even I have problem doing both of them at once occassionally.  Try focusing getting your kick in time with your breathing, every 2/3 strokes when you breathe make an effort to kick.  As long as you are moving your legs slightly it will prevent them from being dead weights.  You don't need to make a huge splash either for your kick to be efficient.