Breaststroke is a technically demanding swim, and in breaststroke, there are two different leg movements: wide and narrow kicks. "What? Are there really two types of breaststroke legs? What's the difference? "It can be a bit confusing for enthusiasts who are just starting to swim. So, what's the difference between a wide leg press and a narrow leg kick? How do you choose the right breaststroke leg for you?
The difference between wide and narrow kicks
The difference between a wide and narrow kicks is the position of the knees and ankles. A wide leg kick is an action in which the ankles of both legs are wider than the knees; A narrow leg press is an action in which the ankles of both legs are at the same level as the knees or narrower.
The so-called wide and narrow refers to the distance between the knees of the legs, and there are some differences between the wide and narrow leg presses during the movement.
The wide leg press has a triangular shape, with the legs pushed backwards and outwards straight, and finally the legs are brought together to form a triangular trajectory.
The movement form of the narrow leg kick is that the calf is "circled" outward, and the trajectory of the feet is drop-shaped.
The wide kick leg has a greater range of motion and a stronger propulsion; The narrow leg kick has a relatively small range of motion and is not as propulsive as the wide leg kick, but the frequency can be faster.
Wide vs. narrow kick options
These differences determine that different types of breaststroke require different leg press techniques. If it is a flat frog (health frog) training, there is no need to be too fast frequency, and the choice of wide kicks can better achieve the propulsion effect of each action cycle; For competitive wave frogs, a faster frequency is required, and a matching narrow kick is chosen to maintain the coordination and stability of the hands and legs.
In addition, the choice of wide or narrow leg press also needs to consider the individual's physical condition. Narrow kicks require good knee flexibility to achieve the best clamp angle; Wide kicks, on the other hand, require a stronger resistance to pressure from the knees, similar to squatting in water.
All in all, whether you choose a wide or narrow leg, it will put a certain amount of stress on the knee. Therefore, it is not very recommended for older amateurs who swim for a long time. No matter what breaststroke leg you choose, you should take care to protect your knees and enjoy swimming while also paying attention to health and wellness.