In a workout, sometimes being a breaststroker feels like being the redheaded stepchild. Sometimes you feel so different from the crowd. Even if you live on the same axel rotation as your cousin, the butterflyer, your kick requires bent legs, using a pull buoy while doing breaststroke just seems awkward, and let’s face it, a lot of people just think you are out for a stroll when you swim. However, the real kicker is how ostracized you feel when it comes time to put fins for a kicking set. You are immediately banned from breaststroke kick. While teammates work their flutter and fly kicks to build more strength, what is a breaststroker to do? You suppose that you will resort to fly kick to work on that one pump allowed get during the underwater pull down, right? Not anymore. There are fins out there that are safe for all four strokes, like the Positive Drive Fins (PDFs) from FINIS.
Although all swimmers should take precaution when using any fin while doing breaststroke kick, there is a big difference from short blade fins as opposed to those with an elliptical blade. Short blade fins encourage short, fast kicks and are great for speed work and sets that increase the swimmer’s heart rate. On the other hand, fins like the PDFs create localized traction for a safer general workout while still producing the forward propulsion as with short blade fins. These fins also have an open foot pocket to allow full flexion for breaststroke kicking. PDFs and similar fins are considered safer for breaststroke because of the uniquely designed blade whereas short blade fins can stress joints by putting pressure on wrong areas.
PDFs are a wise option for swimmers who like a variety in their workout. They generate enough propulsion for swimmers to work on technique without the cramped feeling of fins that rub and cause occasional blisters. The adjustable, open heel strap offers a secure and customized fit that allow for a natural feel in the water. The fins are also ideal for all ability levels and are preferred by those who want to work on building power and momentum in their breaststroke kick.
PDFs are easy to put on and adjustable with the solid rubber tubing. The elliptical blade creates traction through the water and focuses on proper kicking technique. PDFs are perfect for IM focused workouts to drive the legs and work on stroke transitions. Below are two great sets to get the most out of the PDFs:
IM Set #1
3 sets of [4 x 75s] – 10 seconds rest after each 75
- 25 Fly, 25 Back, 25 Breast
- 25 Back, 25 Breast, 25 Free
- 25 Breast, 25 Free, 25 Fly
- 25 Free, 25 Fly, 25 Back
IM Set #2
4 x 200s IM – 20 seconds rest after each 200
- 50 Fly kick, 50 Fly swim, 50 Back kick, 50 Back swim
- 50 Back kick, 50 Back swim, 50 Breast kick, 50 Breast swim
- 50 Breast kick, 50 Breast swim, 50 Free kick, 50 Free swim
- 50 Free kick, 50 Free swim, 50 Fly kick, 50 Fly swim
No longer do you have to feel ostracized during your workout. If anything, your teammates will feel left out during the IM sets. FINIS is the technical leaders in swimming products and the PDFs are proof of it. PDFs and other technical products to help you swim smarter are available for purchase online at FINISinc.com.
I recently purchased a pair of the PDF’s & I love them! I use them with both breaststroke & freestyle. I have been a swimmer now for at least 8 years swimming 5-6 days per week. With the PDF’s, I am noticing a great deal of improvement in my core muscles. I never felt this with the Zoomers I previously used. THANK YOU FINIS for the PDF’s! I’d recommend these fins to anyone interested in improving their speed & technique. Excellent product & very comfortable.
im a novice level swimners which are the best training fins to use apart from the PDFs i.e the most comfortable for endurance and speed training
I love these fins, but they’re not right for breaststroke. Is this an article or an advertisement?