Swim Training: How to Gain a Balanced Underwater Kick

Featured image: Olympic Champion Anthony Ervin, courtesy of FINIS

A key ingredient of a successful underwater kick is a proper coordination between the movements of the head, chest, hips and feet. Without a balance between all movements of the body a swimmer sacrifices speed, strength and efficiency in underwater kicking.

So how does a coach or swimmer restore balance if it is lost?

FINIS, monofinUsing the Trainer I monofin provides swimmers with the instantaneous physical feedback necessary to correct an irregular underwater kick.

The elongated design of the Trainer I calls for a more balanced kick, from head to toe. In manipulating a longer blade, swimmers must begin the Foil body motion from the top of their body and maintain strength in the core and leg muscles to complete a successful kick. Additionally, the Trainer I often calls for a swimmer to slow the rate of the underwater kick from a typical race pace. The slower cadence of the kick while wearing the Trainer I allows for swimmers to deliberately focus on each unique component of the kick. The Trainer I is an effective drilling tool best suited for senior level age group swimmers, collegiate athletes or more serious fitness swimmers/triathletes.

Swim Training / Swim Gear / Swimming News courtesy of FINIS, a SwimSwam partner.

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About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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