5 THINGS THAT MAKE YOUR KICK EFFECTIVE (INSTEAD OF SLOWING YOU DOWN)

If you feel like your kick slows you down instead of assisting you...these 5 things will help change the way you kick. We work with a lot of adult swimmers who don't come from a swimming background and ankle flexibility is almost non-existent. If this is you, think of your kick as more about balance and timing rather than propulsion.
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[@EffortlessSwimming]

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[@Poseidon-wx2gh]

How would the sprint kick be different from the distance swim kick?

[@salvatoredash5823]

Instablaster...

[@basheerparakkadan3730]

@@Poseidon-wx2gh ppò8888

[@sonivijariya706]

Want more ? Go my swim pro

[@open_water2411]

Your videos are some of the most informative swimming videos available anywhere.

[@EffortlessSwimming]

Thanks!

[@davidtom6503]

definitely makes you feel guilty for getting it for free, absolutely unbelievable of Brenton for these video's!

[@tarsala1995]

My self-talk in the pool has changed after this video: "Hold your coin God Damn It"

[@naveenkundarapu1]

Thank you for the video on kicking!!! Your choice of words to describe is very nice makes things clear....

[@chelseasmith9368]

Effortless Swimming has been amazingly helpful in helping me swim more relaxed yet faster. Started swimming again at 49, so it was hard and this gave me motivation. Thanks so much.

[@irenzmMD]

When I use a kickboard, I usually am the fastest among my teammates but when it comes to freestyle, I am a lot slower 😢 I think I'm having a hard time simultaneously kicking and properly using my arms 😢 Would appreciate tips from anyone, thanks!

[@aditikhanna9295]

Irenz Eunice Maloto You should always keep ur head down in the water unless you want to breath, and always extend ur arms to go faster with less strokes.

[@irenzmMD]

@@aditikhanna9295 thanks, I'll do this when i get time to practice

[@Thekidisalright]

I am a little confused, you mention right catch with right downkick, but the video shows right hand catch with left down kick, so am I suppose to catch and kick on the same side? Or alternate side like right hand left leg? Thank you.

[@EffortlessSwimming]

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[@Thekidisalright]

Effortless Swimming thank you very much for your reply! (:

[@2000triathlete]

Thekidisalright: I use one fin on one side and drill the catch/kick for couple 50’s on one side and than switch. It helps me feel the timing better.

[@pavlo_poliovyi]

Does it mean that I need to keep my bellybutton and bums tense the whole time for effective kicks?

[@felo34]

As I saw in other video, another way to sync is to kick with one foot when you finish the opposite arm recovery and starting the reach (when you get your hand again into the water). Do you agree?

[@EffortlessSwimming]

yes

[@thibod07]

Thank you for this great video on kicking. I will try to use your recommendations to my best tomorrow as I have 4 time 25 meters race leg only with son. I lost twice today by about 1 second each time so we are pretty close in speed. I found that in a race situation there is extremely good motivation to offset the difficulty of increasing the leg cadence as this seem to have a big impact on how propulsive our kicking is. I was surprised that this was not mentioned in your recommendations.

[@maurizio7209]

Thank you coach!! Very well explained... swiss swimmer🇨🇭

[@robohippy]

The catch as you call it, or the pull as I call it comes just slightly before the down kick on the same side, so right side pull, then right side down kick. Some people try to link it with the recover arm which would be right side down kick, then left arm recover/enter. Many teach that the hips drive the arm/shoulder rotation. I don't agree, the pull/catch arm drives the hips, which is pretty much what this video shows. Also, in the bit where you are using the snorkel, your kick is pretty much vertical. When you go into full stroke then the kick is going sideways at an angle that pretty much matches the hip rotation angle. Much more effective. For me, learning to go pigeon toed and pronating my ankles has helped me drastically reduce my lap time with the flutter kick. It used to take me almost 2 minutes for a lap in a 25 yard pool. Now, I am down to about 1:15, and getting faster. For years, I always tried to keep my toes pointed straight out behind me. Going pigeon toed and pronating also gives you a much more effective oar surface so you use the side of your foot for propulsion rather than just the top of your foot. Like you said here, it does add slightly to getting more toe point/hyper extension/plantar flexion.

[@jinweiwang1922]

super good video. this help me a lot while i am learning swim.

[@kayo5011]

What if the top of your thighs keep rubbing each other?

[@Tizzledk]

I really enjoyed the video....until I realized i have to start doing kick drills :)

[@24bhyn]

Best video on the kick I've seen yet. And I've subscribed and watched a lot of swim channels in the last 3 months. Thank you

[@nunoprazeres1173]

Another great video! Thanks. Just wanted to add this note. I am a triathlete and introduced some heavy lifting in my program a few months ago (mainly deadlifts and split squats). As a result my core strength improved massively and my swim got another upgrade. My body alignment is at its best and my kick became much more efficient and effortless. This fully validates episode #123 of the effortless swimming podcast. Thanks again.

[@stevensurfing6340]

Thank you kind sir! I require any and all tips. Will try and point my toes as I am very slow.

[@neilashford4179]

You make it very clear how to progress - even with my stiff runners ankles

[@sandyhazeltine862]

Great site, but pulling in your belly button and trying to breathe?

[@richardsutherland9731]

Another GREAT HELP. I FOUND A V USEFUL ‘illustrator’ is to walk along swinging straight arms alternately in a full circle. It really shows how your hips help a correct (for you) rotation.

[@dimitargeorgiev5732]

Thank you for the helpful video; your videos are always very informative, and the information is presented in an understandable manner.

[@rapspubg]

I feel as though my kick draws me back in breast stroke, the recovery of the feet has too much drag

[@agnum639]

I've just started swimming and still working on my kicks. Been applying this to my swimming lessons, and my instructor is seeing great improvement by the day🎉 Thank you 😃😃😃

[@Hopeful887]

How has it been

[@lukasz.bienias]

i'm working on developing my swimming and learn a lot from your videos, thanks !

[@alanweddell489]

Never heard it summarised any better than that - thanks, helps a lot!

[@blufaerie]

This sucking tummy in and squeezing glutes is such a great tip!!!

[@anurimadey9345]

Thankyou. The pigeon-toed idea really helped. It made me faster with reduced efforts.

[@markupotgieter3763]

What can you do to activate your legs? My problem is that I've got fast stroke rate and my pulling is really quite strong but it's almost like I have a problem with activating my kick. So it's a huge disadvantage in racing. Especially sprints.

[@Erethras]

For many years I swam without kick, just using the legs for small propulsion and correct direction. Then I joined Waterloo team, and the specific drills helped with the legs, especially the “keeping your head out to control the ball” drill. Give it a try! Good luck 🥰

[@swimfan752]

Kick while you train. Stop pulling while you train ( ie with a buoy). Swimming is all muscle memory. So you have to train how you want to race

[@braelynheltne6328]

I dealt with this issue. Do a lot of kicking in swordfish or with hands together like a hlide position. Then do laps where you intentionally exaggerate your legs and doing less with your arms.

[@JJBpilot]

Has anyone tried a ballerina foot and ankle stretcher to increase their ankle flexibility??? Think ima try one...

[@GhostYT_lat]

In the video I see the downward kick on the left in sink with the right catch. I watched over and over like 20 times. What am I missing?

[@pistolpete706]

Great channel thanks for the tips lots to work on.....

[@freeridefried]

Always thought it was supposed to be a diagonal kick while entering the hand in the water. Could also be interpreted like this if watching the vid in slow motion as the catch happens while the other hand is entering the water. Sure about the timed catch and kick?

[@pippo1590]

Please make a video with ankle flexibility excercises. When it comes to effective kicking, flexible ankles are the number one requirement!

[@moe.syzslak]

Resistance bands

[@pippo1590]

@@moe.syzslak good suggestion

[@brucejohnston6184]

He suggested sitting on your ankles...this will stretch the front of your ankle 😊

[@2000triathlete]

Great vid: question, where should the power mostly come from? The glutes/hips or quadriceps/knee? Thanks in advance

[@Costa0651]

From Hips of course ;)

[@swimfan752]

Hips. You should feel it in your hip flexors

[@cestmoi2681]

Gold!! Timing is my problem.

[@cheetahking9114]

I tried online coaching before the guy was good I got fast off of his training, but he only focused mainly on kicking drills. My kick got better. However, even though I told him I need hand technique he wouldn't focused on it and my shoulder kills now and back pain so I don't swim as much to avoid the pain. He stopped coaching me b/c of the shoulder pain, and my time is back up for 100M . Would you be able to help me to where I can avoid these injuries from online coaching, or you recommend I get a local swimmimg coach which haven't worked for me. I travel to Florida to training b/c the coach there helps me improve but always loose it when my form is not corrected when I swim back in NY. Sorry for the long message

[@EffortlessSwimming]

If you have access to a camera to record your swimming, I can coach you in technique and provide drills and a plan. effortlessswimming.com/member/join/

[@chriswatson2407]

Could you try to include some endurance speed videos please? You always seem to have sprinting.

[@SonyWilliam]

awesome video as per usual!!!! thank you so much!! (and beautiful song too n.n)

[@Wheel333]

Awesome tips, thanks.

[@mib910]

I am learning how to swim better at 42 of age but can't seem to sync my kick when front crawling. How would I fix that?

[@MrRiocomprido]

Great Video! Fantastic Good!👍😄🙏🍀✅👏😀✍️🔝💯🏊‍♂️✨🏊‍♀️😁

[@jumpropestairs6129]

3 50 best secret ith kattie nit fiund with other experts

[@rolandfisher]

I struggled with the kick, and a little physics knowledge told me that my foot issue (really poor plantar flexion) was my barrier. Your tip to rotate at the ankle is so simple and effective. Thank you. Many before you missed that.

[@chrishaywood2923]

I thought I had perfected all of these tips but was slower than ever. The bucket really seemed to hold me back !!!!

[@gaddamjayanthkumar320]

Who here wants a private pool so you don't need to swim in public and everyone laughs at you like the comment

[@lavanyadhayapathy7042]

Thank you for the video I m not much clear about the body position you told I ll be more clear if u can show it out of the pook

[@lavanyadhayapathy7042]

Sorry not pook pool

[@MissElisabelle]

I was injured 3 years ago and my ankle has never recovered, it hurts when I try to point my toes backwards, would it be possible to just skip that part?

[@seiti1]

Can you post the name of the music, please?

[@MeisterClaudi]

we need an answer!

[@MeisterClaudi]

Actually found it bro. Chella Vibes - PALA. Hope u enjoy it after 4yrs :D

[@seiti1]

@@MeisterClaudi Thank you, man!

[@joeyd1841]

I want to have a stronger kick in long distance free style should I use Long fins or short fins like zoomers

[@jwc1997]

You say kick on the same side at the same time as the catch; but then the video of Sharon doesn't demo this. Seems more important to kick on the opposite side as the hand is entering the water?

[@lesanimauxfantastiques7557]

Holding a coin in your butt analogy is used in ballet for toddlers too! 😂

[@dragvs]

What should I do if I feel very weird when I try to kick and catch using one side leg and arm? It’s like I can’t engage the right muscles. Are there any drills for it maybe?

[@nikhilnaren5992]

There's a drill where you can swim with a paddle in one hand only and a fin on the opposite side leg. It will help you realize kick/catch connection.

[@randyg2922]

Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Hit the notification bell to be notified every time we upload a new video.

[@Roberto-wt6gt]

I'm an amateur triathlete from Brazil. Is the four or two kicking per stroke hate, very important for triathlon and open water as well in your opinion???

[@ingomeulendijks9045]

I liked swimming in bunburry 1998 good old days in WA.

[@MeisterClaudi]

Song name is Chella Vibes - PALA

[@paulegan3860]

if catch and kick is done together does this mean one kick one pull of can do more?

[@nancytripp2024]

Simply the very best on this topic. Cannot agree enough.

[@cycleSCUBA]

That's a big bucket !

[@markankone9362]

I will give it a try

[@flowermasterk.5766]

Great help! Thanx. Cheers from Korea.

[@hl6306]

toes tend to cramp when point in after 1.5k ish swim

[@queen6580]

Your video is helpful. Thanks

[@Hunterkillerzzz]

Watched this twice - lots of good pointers… 🤝

[@mathw2703]

¨Live long and prosper"....

[@CassieSmart365]

Wow that swimmer is FAST!

[@mkim7830]

really liked the examples at the end of the clip thanks

[@josefertrujillo]

Thank You very much!!!

[@elizabethbalbin8091]

great video ! thank you !!

[@PeterFletcher]

More great tips. Thanks heaps.

[@hpliew25]

hi, can you clarify, in most of the featured swimmers, the kick is opposite to the outreached arm? but the host mentioned it's the same side...

[@Woowas]

Not exactly. You kick with your left leg when you put your right hand in the water. At the same time you do the catch with your right hand. You kick to pierce the water with your opposite arm.

[@anabolicmind5218]

You need to understand the terminology. Hand entry is when your hand enters the water. The catch is when your hand is already in the water: It’s hinging at the elbow preparing to push the water. They are different positions. When your left hand enters the water (“the outreached arm”), your right hand should be in the catch position. You therefore catch with your right hand and kick with your right leg. Or in other words, enter with your left hand and kick with your right leg. Either way you will be in the same position. It’s just a different way of wording it.

[@yonatanSelby]

@ 4:12 I would say this is an error because you say to time the CATCH on the right hand side with the downward kick on the RIGHT hand side. In fact one would want to kick the right hand in to a catch position via the LEFT hand side leg, no? Perhaps you mean to pull with the right hand while the right foot kicks down?

[@mambaman9363]

Excellent video

[@arealaugustine9427]

That’s amazing 🗽

[@Mariasanchez-lo9yk]

Thanks ❤

[@nokeli70m38]

Very good

[@latspread3858]

Thank you

[@chesterholt5551]

Choice,

[@lifeisarollercoaster5539]

Awesome thanks 👍

[@cinmac3]

Any thoughts, I hurt my back with several mishaps, a series of injujuries that I am left. with pain from my hips abdomon, ribs,? My back is so sore pain during the day with doing easy movements from swimming to not swimming light movements ,before iwas doing bit shower, but, some days fairly steady, if I can sleep tonight bed it has been so difficult to get my body to rest without pain, very difficult to sleep .Do you have a suggestions on what to do now to resr.and move in the water tomorrow.

[@queen_of_domination]

What suggestions do you have for swimming while menstruating? How can I swim in such a way, in which I won’t have additional cramps? Also, which brand of tampons are best for swimming?

[@robeccamartin7899]

Put in tampon u won't leak while swimmimn

[@robeccamartin7899]

Put on tampoon. U won't leak while swimming.

[@queen_of_domination]

Robecca Martin Thank you for answering my question. What about the brand? I’m certain generic shall not do.

[@zhozan13]

Kotex brand is strong. Cramps seem to go away in the water while moving.

[@tabban21]

Great vid

[@Thargoyd]

Thanks for some great tips but look can I please ask you and any other coach who reads this that in the UK where I live to bear in mind the following: In a UK pool we are generally NOT ALLOWED to use snorkels, fins or paddles. Also 99% of all pools in Britain are 25 metres - only 12 m of which is deep enough to do "aqua kicking" I am keen experienced triathlete of some 20 years and I have lost count of the times that I had to tell coaches online about our stupid swimming restrictions. Sorry about the rant but my frustration lies with the spineless "snowflake" brigade that are the swimming pool operators who don't want us to get hurt. Keep up the good work on these videos! Just seen the rest of the video and I had to add this to my comment - you mention videoing ourselves. I can hear a distant, collective cry of bewilderment from all UK triathletes and swimmer Video in a swimming pool?? Ha - ha -You would be very likely be be hauled out by the management and referred to the police on the premise of paedophilia. Recently our local swimming pool has been beset by notices banning mobile phones (let alone cameras) anywhere the pool. The object of all this is to ask you please to bear this all in mind when you make recommendations - thanking you in advance.

[@swimfan752]

Find it hard to believe the UK is this strict. Especially given all the great UK swimmers that are out there. Try to find a new pool buddy

[@brucejohnston6184]

@@swimfan752 it's to do with privacy and people not wanting their relatively exposed bodies photographed by strangers. The videos you see are usually in deserted pools.

[@OVOCNYCHECK]

What you think about Paltrinieris kick?

[@EffortlessSwimming]

Not good for top end speed but GREAT for efficiency and maintaining a fast stroke rate and speed for minimal effort.

[@jomon723]

Haha..I have been swimming for over 40 years and basicly drag them with just a little for balance

[@Smutnomir]

what 130 degrres knee!? its not even 45 3:09 where do you see 130 degrees?!

[@vakayilsoniat]

Hmm...a straight line is 180...and a 45deg angle is something like a V. I think you misunderstood something here...🤔 Or maybe I misunderstood what your comment meant.