When I'm freestyle swimming how do I keep my feet from sinking? ?

The #1 error people make in swimming is head position.

Keeping in mind that if something is up out of the water, something else must go down. Think about simply floating in streamline position and then lifting your head so your eyes are out of the water and you're looking forward ... what happens? Your feet sink.

So, THAT is your answer (or most of the answer). As you swim, keep your chin almost in streamline position. Doing so decreases the radius of your body which makes it easier to get hip and shoulder roll. With more roll, you can scull better and make your stroke more powerful and longer.

But, the big thing is that your feet will rise toward the surface of the water. NOW you can narrow your kick and start to use a fast SMALL kick instead of a large kick ... you'll not fatigue as much. When you kick with your head in the position I suggested, your feet will feel like they are doing very little or nothing.

NOW ... how do you find out if what I suggested (or anyone suggested) is correct? Do a couple of 50s putting the exact same amount of effort into both. On the first one, swim the original way. Start on the 60 on the pace clock ... do a flip turn ... do a good streamline ... COUNT YOUR STROKES and get your time.

On the second 50, you must put the exact (or close) amount of energy ... same turn ... same streamline ... same flip turn ... COUNT YOUR STROKES and get your time. If your stroke count is the same or lower with the same time or faster time then the new way is better.

So ... in summary ... chin in 'near' streamline position at all times ... roll more ... and small - fast - narrow kick.

Let me now how much you improve. Write back at:

academicjoq@yahoo.

Kicking is the key. Even if you have a perfect upper stroke, your legs have to move to propel you or you're not going to get anywhere fast, and you'll also experience things like sinking and tilting from side to side.

You have to point your toes, basically, but again don't put an extreme amount of effort into that. You shouldn't be so tense that it takes all of your focus to maintain. And also keep a tight fast kick close to the surface. There's no need to kick extremely deep.

Good luck!

well you could keep your toes pointed when you swim so, i don't know about you ,but when i swim my freestyle aka. front crawl i think pinky up bend your elbow breathe in the water and point the toes so just take it under consideration . just remember that i you'll be fine .thats what i do .good luck in your swimming :]

Look down at the bottom fo the pool

Think about pressing your chest into the water

Think as if you're "swimming downhill" <= i know it sounds weird but it works

Point your toes when you kick.

carry you elbow high and have your hand enter the water like a knifes edge about 7 inches in front of your head. Get a good catch of water with the other hand, and follow through all the way. You should feel the "wake" at your feet from your pull.

If you push your chest down it will give you a better body position and your legs will float. Make sure you're kicking all the time, especially while you are breathing.

IF YOUR LEGS SINK YOU ARE NOT BALANCED. PRESS DOWN WITH THE CHEST AND TUCK THE CHIN TO STAY HORIZONTAL. BALANCE IS THE KEY TO SWIMMING. THINK OF YOUR HEAD AS A STEERING WHEEL. IF YOUR HEAD IS UP, YOUR LEGS WILL SINK...IT IS LIKE A SEE SAW. GOOD LUCK!

as a swimmer my self i know how it feels but basically just point your toes and use moderate kicks(not heps long but not really short) using your whole leg. it is far more efficient.

how it works and good luck

KICK. i have that problem too i never kick and it slows me down but work on it. are you a distance swimmer? cause that might also be a reason why. build up your leg muscles it takes time

point your toes down, like you would in lets say.. ballet. and kick from your hips, not knees.

good luck :)