General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Two-beat kick timing Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-09-18 2:05 PM

User image

Veteran
196
100252525
Arlington, VA
Subject: Two-beat kick timing
I've seen contradictory advice on how to time a two-beat kick.  My natural tendency is to kick on the same side just as the hand is entering the water.  This seems to help my rotation.  As I spear with my right hand, kicking with my right leg brings the right hip down, which seems to facilitate the catch and pull with the right. 

This website gives two contradictory theories:

http://www.donalfagan.com/html/body_kick_timing.html

And Mr. Smooth advocates kicking with the opposite foot as the hand enters:
http://www.swimsmooth.com/kick.html

I tried kicking with the opposite foot today and felt like I was flailing uncontrollably. 


2009-09-18 4:32 PM
in reply to: #2414133

User image

Modesto, California
Subject: RE: Two-beat kick timing
Heres TJ's video, it helped me. His article.
2009-09-18 5:03 PM
in reply to: #2414133

User image

Member
34
25
Denver-ish
Subject: RE: Two-beat kick timing
FWIW, I've been kicking opposite for 20 years.  I only recall seeing one guy kick on the same side as his entry hand.  His ankles whipped like flippers (his ankle flexibility was truly impressive).  He was an awesome swimmer but he switched to a six beat when he raced. 

I wouldn't call the comparison in the first link (http://www.donalfagan.com/html/body_kick_timing.html) to be showing two different types of kicks.  From a quick glance, Total Immersion is highlighting an increase in body roll and emphasizing the glide.  The timing is slightly different.  Am I reading this wrong?
2009-09-18 11:10 PM
in reply to: #2414133

User image

Expert
2547
200050025
The Woodlands, TX
Subject: RE: Two-beat kick timing
kcb203 - 2009-09-18 2:05 PM I've seen contradictory advice on how to time a two-beat kick.  My natural tendency is to kick on the same side just as the hand is entering the water.  This seems to help my rotation.  As I spear with my right hand, kicking with my right leg brings the right hip down, which seems to facilitate the catch and pull with the right. 

This website gives two contradictory theories:

http://www.donalfagan.com/html/body_kick_timing.html

And Mr. Smooth advocates kicking with the opposite foot as the hand enters:
http://www.swimsmooth.com/kick.html

I tried kicking with the opposite foot today and felt like I was flailing uncontrollably. 


Mr. swimsmooth shows it right(although the example doesn't have a real defined kick), but explains it.....less than right:
"The key to good timing is that when the hand enters the water at the front of the stroke, the opposite leg should kick."
Truth is when the hand enters, the opposite leg should be finishing the kick

Think of it this way: If you have decent rotation, only the bottom leg has the ability to kick and rotate you in the other direction. top leg kicking will rotate you onto your back. So when is the bottom leg gonna get the most bang? when you are on that side and the bottom arm is about to pull (i.e. on your right side, right arm about to pull, right leg gives a kick)

hope this helps. If I just confused you more, let me know.
2009-09-19 11:28 AM
in reply to: #2414133

User image

Modesto, California
Subject: RE: Two-beat kick timing
For me a switch from six beat to two was huge, not only was I wasting too much energy but allot of my kicking was almost reflex and did not create much propulsion unless I was sprinting, so whether I am creating less drag or more propulsion I get more power now from a more focused kick.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Two-beat kick timing Rss Feed