Apparatus and method for developing a proper swimming whip kick and training the competitive breaststroker

A method for developing a proper swimming whip kick and training the competitive breaststroke swimmer, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a swimming fin having a propulsive blade;
• inserting the swimmer's foot into the fin;
• positioning the blade to engage water at the moment that the swimmer laterally rotates the feet to purchase the water at the beginning of a propulsive phase of a whip kick;
• using the blade to channel captured water backward while the swimmer provides force on the water;
• and
• flipping the blade inward and downward as the swimmer rolls the outer edges of the feet over and inward and extends the ankles during the finish of the whip kick.

A method for teaching the proper technique for performing a breaststroke whip kick and training the competitive breaststroker, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing to a swimmer an instructional/training swimming fin that includes a dynamic blade, wherein the swimming fin performs at least one of the steps of:
• encouraging, at the end of the propulsive phase of the whip kick, an extension of the ankles and an inward rolling over of the outside edges of the swimmer's feet;
• encouraging a recovery of the heels of the swimmer's feet in the shadow of the swimmer's body;
• encouraging, during the initial propulsive phase, flex ankles and lateral rotation of the swimmer's feet.
• encouraging improved streamlining technique during the arm reach and “glide” phase of the breaststroke;
• encouraging a complete “finish” of the kick;
• encouraging “faster feet” or faster foot speed during the propulsive phase of the whip kick;
• encouraging greater distance per kick and stroke;
• allowing the swimmer to achieve “race pace” during practice sessions and;
• improving strength of hip adductors, quadriceps and the gluteus.