Training Fins
Fins are used as a training aid in each Masters workout. There are many benefits to training with fins, but it is important to not become reliant upon them.
- Fins assist the swimmer increase leg strength and ankle flexibility.
- Kicking sets may include underwater kicking to improve aerobic capacity or vertical kicking to help develop a more balanced kicking motion by strengthening the weaker muscles located in the back of the leg.
- Fins may also be used to continue training while recovering from upper body injuries.
- In performing sprints, fins allow the swimmer to experience race pace without the race effort and elevate the body to a more correct body position in the water to develop better stroke technique.
When selecting a set of fins, comfort is important. Short fins, or fins that do extend more than 10 inches beyond the end of the foot are highly recommended. These allow the effort of the kicking motion to be more centered on the foot rather than the tips of the fin, and thus allow the swimmer to perform a correct flutter kick.
Fins can be used during both the kick sets and drill sets, but not during the main swim set. It is important that the legs and feet are given the opportunity to develop a “feel” for the water and the body provided a more natural awareness of stroke technique.