How to Stop Your Legs from Sinking in Freestyle

Jun 22, 2017

Here are some reasons for swimmers and triathletes on why your legs and feet usually sink and How to stop sinking in freestyle technique in an efficient manner. Because in swimming it is all about balance, if the balance is absent in your body sinking is inevitable.

1. Do not lift your head up above the surface

Our head weighs 8 kilos, if we lift our head up above the water, the tendency is your feet and legs are going to sink because of balance. Do not lift your head up above the surface, instead breathe to the side, like half of your head is lifted up above the surface and the other half is in the water that way legs and feet will float accordingly.

2. Press down with Tipped fingertips

To avoid legs and feet sinking, do not press down your hands against the water. The right way to do it is upon entering the water extend forward, stroke with tip the fingertips down to press back against the water and glide forward. Because if the first part is elbows and hands are pressing down then balance won’t work, legs and feet are going to sink.

3. Exhale under, Inhale above

Do not hold your breath when you swim. Because it creates buoyancy in lungs then the result is legs and feet are going to sink. Exhale everything out while your face is in the water. Inhale only when half of face is lifted above water.

4. Keep your legs straight

Do not do bicycle kicking from your knees. Instead keep your legs straight together and just behind not pushing down your feet on the water.

5. Do not look forward but 45 degrees downwards

As much as possible even if it is natural for most people, do not look forward directly. It will make hips and bad composure which cause sinking. Our eyes should be looking around for 45 degrees or bit downwards water.

6. Good body posture

This talks about balance as well. Bad posture and connection may cause to sink. Straighten out your body, chest out, flat lay spine parallel to butt, shoulders relaxed, the results will be most likely your body will not go under instead of floating just above the waterline.

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