Watching the Pan Am pool’s underwater cameras may be the optimal way to appreciate the depth and variety of footwork in swimming. Subtle, swift moves by both hands and feet propel swimmers along their lanes.

Footwork accompanying various swimming strokes: 

Backstroke: The ‘flutter kick’ entails kicking up and down with alternating legs. The kicking motion originates in the hips. Feet point away from the body.

Breaststroke: ‘Whip kick’ footwork has distinct phases: Initially, a glide of extended legs, close together and toes pointed. Then, knees and feet flex and move towards buttocks, pushing against the water. Next, knees part and feet rotate outwards. Then, legs sweep backwards and outwards, pushing against the water with the inside of feet and lower legs. Legs extend backwards but sweep inwards while feet rotate inward. Legs are now pressed together; feet are nearly in contact. Ready to glide and toes pointed, the new stroke cycle begins.

Butterfly: The swimmer’s legs do a simultaneous whipping motion with feet pointed called a ‘dolphin kick’.  As lower legs moves upward, feet are relaxed under pressure from the water. Alternating, the legs are extended and the feet are pointed during a downward motion creating more propulsion. For a short time, the top of the feet face backwards.

Freestyle (Front Crawl): The simple ‘flutter kick’ continues rhythmically during the whole stroke cycle providing propulsion and stability.

And then there’s the Flip Turn: Swimmers perform an underwater roll at the end of their lap and use their feet to push off from the wall.

Go to….Pan Am Schedule –  http://www.toronto2015.org/schedule

Resources:

http://www.toronto2015.org/swimming

http://www.enjoy-swimming.com/learn-to-swim.html

http://www.swimclub.com.au/resources/articles/swimmers/swimming_at_olympics.html

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.   1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)

TRAINING – COMPETITION – PODIUM