Correcting your breaststroke kick primarily involves optimizing your body position and ensuring proper technique to maximize propulsion and minimize drag.
While the provided reference is short, we can infer key points about improving the breaststroke kick based on general breaststroke technique and common errors. Here's a breakdown:
Improving Your Breaststroke Kick
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Body Position:
- High Body Line: Maintain a high body position on the water's surface. This reduces drag and allows for a more effective kick. As the reference states, a higher body line enables you to "push the water away from you getting that nice glide as you finish."
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Whip Kick Technique:
- Heels towards buttocks: Bring your heels up towards your buttocks, keeping your knees relatively narrow.
- Outward sweep: Turn your feet outward and sweep them out and around in a circular motion, powerfully kicking the water backward.
- Inward squeeze: Squeeze your legs together to complete the kick, propelling you forward.
- Glide: After the kick, hold a streamlined position for a brief glide.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Wide Knees: Avoid letting your knees splay out too wide during the kick preparation. This creates unnecessary drag.
- Bicycle Kick: The breaststroke kick is not a bicycle kick. Ensure a simultaneous and symmetrical movement of both legs.
- Kicking from the Knees: The power should come from the hips and thighs, not just the knees.
- Not Pointing Toes: Point your toes during the inward squeeze of the kick to maximize propulsion.
- Insufficient Glide: Not gliding long enough reduces the efficiency of each stroke.
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Drills to Practice:
- Kickboard Drills: Use a kickboard to isolate the kick and focus on technique. Experiment with different body positions and kicking motions.
- Wall Kick Drill: Holding onto the wall, practice the breaststroke kick motion, focusing on proper technique and power.
- Streamline Kick Drill: Practice kicking in a streamlined position to improve body position and reduce drag.
By focusing on a high body position, mastering the whip kick technique, avoiding common mistakes, and incorporating relevant drills, you can significantly improve your breaststroke kick.
