Suck at swimming?

Question

i suck at swimming, my mom signed me up for swimming classes and im with kids younger than me and they swim better than me!! i just have a hard time with kicks.. like breaststroke kick... any tips on how to make them faster? also i get really tired so what should i do to keep myself energized? also, how do i make a dolphin kick faster? thanks

Answer 1

The first thing to remember is: RELAX.  Don't get too worked up about your ability level, with time and a little effort it will get better.  Often times the harder novices try at swimming, the worse they get.  Just relax, have fun, and listen to the instructors.

In terms of technique the most important thing is body line.  your body should be in a straight line, at the surface.  Think about your posture when you're standing up then transition that to horizontal in the water.  Also keep in mind swimming is an arm dependant sport.  The kick doesn't add much propulsion but serves to keep the body in line (at least until you have the basics down).

For your flutter kick (freestyle and backstroke), make sure your toes are pointed and you're kicking from your hips (straight leg).  For dolphin kick, again the knee stays relatively straight and the kick originates from the chest.  For breaststroke kick, make sure your feet get outside your knees and then you snap and glide (toes pointed).  Most novice swimmers try to keep the legs constantly moving in breaststroke and don't feel the power phase of the kick.  Glide for :03 after each kick and it should make more sense.

Answer 2

I don't know how gentlero became a top contributor in swimming because the answer is not good.  KICK is the most important part of the stroke, without an efficient kick you go nowhere fast.  This is why the kick is always the first thing that is taught for any stroke.

Breaststroke kick:  Bring the heals up behind you and try to have them touch your butt.  Flex the feet pulling the toes up and turn them out.  Keep knees close together shoulder width apart, no popping them out.  Press down and around. glide 3 seconds.  If you are scissoring try walking on deck like a duck, bend knees and turn knees and feet out.  If you are a knee popper try it on your back and place a kickboard over the knees so you know they are staying behind you.

Dolphin kick is full body starting at the head.  Stand on deck and bend over 90* like you are going to touch your toes.  Then stand up place face to the sky, arch back and bend knees 45 degrees.  You will notice that the head and feet are in sync.  When the head and feet are up they are up together, when down the head and feet are down together.  You are bending the knees a lot.  Try kicking it on your sides, and back, with and without a board.

Answer 3

You misht want to try to look for tips on swimming on Youtube.

As far as getting tired, you might want to focus on tequnic not so much faster...pace yourself until you get your legs stronger and that could take a week or two.  This is just a suggestion for someone who has a son who is a swimmer.