Hey Gold Family,

If you’ve been around a pool long enough, you’ve probably heard a coach say, “Legs win races.” That’s not just something we yell during practice to make you work harder on kick sets—it’s one of the biggest truths in swimming. The best swimmers in the world don’t just pull well; they kick better than anyone else.

Why the Kick Matters

Most people think of swimming as an upper-body sport, and sure, the arms do most of the pulling. But if your legs aren’t engaged, your body drops, your stroke falls apart, and by the end of the race, you’re just surviving instead of racing.

A strong kick does a few critical things:

• Keeps your body high in the water, cutting down drag.
• Establishes rhythm and balance—every stroke connects back to your legs.
• Gives you that extra gear when it matters most. When your arms are tired and you’ve got 25 yards left, it’s your legs that keep you moving forward.

In short: your legs are your hidden weapon.

Our Focus This Week

We’re shifting gears to give your legs the attention they deserve. This isn’t just about “working hard”—it’s about kicking smarter.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Quality over quantity: It’s not about endless yards of kickboard work. It’s about body position, ankle flexibility, and power through the hips.
• Integrated kicking: We’ll blend kick sets into swim work so your legs are driving even when you’re stroking.
• Building race-ready strength: We’ll use progressive sets and shorter rest to develop power and endurance without overloading.
• Technique feedback: Coaches will be watching ankle position, knee bend, and body alignment closely all week.

A Few Coaching Reminders

• Kick from your hips, not your knees. Think of your legs as long whips, not pistons.
• Keep your ankles loose and pointed—stiffness kills your kick.
• Maintain a strong body line. A good kick doesn’t lift your head or drop your hips.
• When your legs start to burn—good. That’s not punishment, that’s progress.

Wrapping It Up

Legs might not get the glory, but they absolutely win the races. A great kick gives you speed off the wall, stability in your stroke, and power in your finish.

So the next time you grab that kickboard, remember—you’re not killing time; you’re building the foundation that separates good swimmers from great ones.

Let’s make those legs earn it this week.