FULLER DESCRIPTION OF THE MOVEMENTS.
The following hints in reference to the move ments will be of some service to the advanced swimmer as well as to the learner:— While performing the first part of the kick, be sure the legs are as wide as possible from each other, the effort being made to kick sideways and backward, not downward. The reasons for this are obvious. In the first place, kicking downward gives an ungainly jerk to the body, spoiling the ap pearance of the stroke, and is also a waste of strength, as it sends the body, or part of it, out of the water, while every effort should be made to propel the body forward; as the legs are kicked out, a slight movement of the ankle joint is per formed, just enough to put toes and instep in a line with the front of the leg. This is done that the toes may cleave the water, opening a way for the foot, that there may be as little resistance as to its outward progress.
Number two of the kick is the most important motion of any, and, strange to say, the one most neglected by self-taught swimmers. It is actually the propelling power in swimming; for when the legs are brought firmly together, the body is shot forward;, therefore the wider the legs are kicked apart, and the firmer they are pulled together, the greater will be the speed attained. Mechanically speaking, when the legs have been kicked apart, the water between them is in form like a wedge or tri angle, the apex being close to the body, and the base from heel to heel; as the feet are brought close together, the wedge so to speak, is driven out, and the force of the water closing behind it propels the body forward. Every swimmer should have
this constantly in mind.
The motions one and two of the legs, should be performed in as nearly one movement as possible. The instructions as to the movement of the ankle joint in number three, should be also borne in mind, as it is indispensable to perfection in swimming, and is done that there may be as little friction or resistance as possible when the feet are being re turned to renew the stroke. The toes are turned out again to allow of the feet being kicked apart with less waste of strength than could otherwise be the case.
Do not hitch the body in any way; the limbs must do all the work.
Keep the neck stiff, and make no effort, beyond the motion of arms and legs, to raise the head above the surface of the water. The weight of the head is diminished considerably when it rests on, or in the water. The body and legs should be level, the head being very slightly raised.