Training aids

okane1

Just ordered myself Speedo BioFUSE paddle and fins.
It will be the first time in years since using aids in the pool.

Reason I got them, to mix up the training, stop the constant up and down front crawl. Another reason for getting the fins, I am a crap kicker! After 50m leg only, I'm wrecked. Hopefully the fins will aid in muscle build up and allow me to do more than a few 50m kick.

Does anyone less use aids and what drill do you use them with?
I'm thinking with the fins; start off with 10x50m kick, paddles, 5x100m or 150m pending how much strain they are putting on the shoulders.

mad m

Yeah what your starting off with is fine, as you probably know dont kick like mad for the first few as you can get cramp easy enough as the fins arch back your feet. You will feel the burn on your thighs after a few lengths....

The odd Saturday I used to do 500meters on just legs, then another 500m doing front crawl drills but still using the fins. Havent used paddles in a few years. Throw in a few 100m when your warmed up....

The last few 5 X 100's Id time myself...Got some good times but after the 3rd or 4th I'd be wrecked.

Actually this is a good read.. Fin Kick sets

okane1

Used to use driving fins years ago, by god the cramps I used to get, but the speed was worth it. Butterfly kick underwater, 25m cover in no time!

I'll use the fins/paddles as part of the session, i.e. warmup (400m), some kick sets, pull sets, then onto the main sets, 200m, 100m & 50m followed by swim down.

Really just need to break up the sessions. I train on my own and have been using the same swim plan for a while now. Need to mix it up slighly and hopefully will stand to me during OW racing.

mad m

Its actually a pity you don't have someone with you, trying to catch someone or someone coming up your tail can be great for training...

okane1

It can be a pain, especially if I don't have the motivation to finish a set. I do swim with a club during the OW season in Killarney. They train during the off season in the town but I don't go with them. Suppose I'm "slightly" faster and wouldn't get the same benefit as to been on my own

brian_bugle

I have fins at home but never really know what sets to do. Any advice?

okane1

brian_bugle wrote: »

I have fins at home but never really know what sets to do. Any advice?

As you can see, I'm starting back using fins after several years off.
If your not used to them, start slow with short distances.
Begin with 10x25m with 10sec rest, increase to 5 or 10x50m with 20sec rest.

After you get used to the fins, try a long kick swim; 500m or swim same distance with the fins on.

brian_bugle

Should I be going "flat-out" with the fins on or concentrating more on technique?

okane1

If you are not used to fins, certainly do not go flat out. You will get a cramp in your foot. Start slow, perfect your technique. Focus on kicking from the hip, not the knee. Kick under the water, not on top (wasting energy).

As a swimmer, speed comes from technique. Once you dial the technique, then work on speed and going through the motion of swimming at a higher tempo.
Enjoy it

brian_bugle

Thanks a mil for the replies.

Now to get into the pool for an hour in the morning before work!