Using Fins in Training

小臭贝

This week’s Speedo Tip of the Week comes from Al Wolstenholme, Ph.D., a member of USA Swimming’s Biomechanics Sports Performance Team and a national team coach with the Upper Main Line YMCA, in Pennsylvania. Wolstenholme offers some advice on using fins in training.

Wolstenholme’s Tip:
I am strongly in favor of swimmers using fins, regardless of age, especially when swimmers are learning a new skill or drill (particularly butterfly). Because drills are performed at slower speeds and kids are not as strong as adults, they will often sink. The sinking can be combated by the use of fins to strengthen the force of the kick and raise the individual in the water. Secondly, kick sets and aerobic swimming sets can be lengthened by using fins since a swimmer’s hips will be set higher in the water which usually allows him or her to go for a longer period before tiring. Finally, children get excited whenever they use fins, and anytime you can get kids excited about swimming, it is a good thing. One additional piece of advice is that a set involving fins should usually either be preceded or followed by another similar activity that does not involve fin usage. This will help to keep swimmers from becoming dependent on the fins.