Triathlon Series Continued: You want Me to Kick?

Coach are you crazy?  You want me to train kicking for a 1.2 or a 2.4 mile swim! Yes, yes I do.  However, I do not want you to use much of your legs during the actual race.  Save them for the run and the bike. 

I have seen Triathletes move backwards when they kick flutter/freestyle kick.  This does not mean stop kicking,  it is an opportunity to improve in the following areas:

1. Increase the stretching of your feet and ankle flexibility.  At work simply stretching or rolling your ankles can help.
2. Keep the back of your knees and ankles relaxed while you kick.  Have you noticed tense strait legs do not help us kick faster.  Maybe that is a sign something needs to change. 
3. Snap the toes down on the down kick to a hyper extension of the knee.
4. Feel the water on the bottom of your feet on the up kick, going up to around a 45 degree angle. 
5. Get in a kicking rhythm, almost like you are riding a unicyle.  Use the hind and leg muscles to help.
6. Turn the toes in towards each other a little.  Pigeon Toed.  

Training kicking will help increase leg strength, stamina and endurance.  Then when it is race day focus on an easy relaxed kick, you will get out of the water with additional energy feeling fresh for the bike and the run.