SWIMMING

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20733, 17 February 1939, Page 8

SWIMMING

RECORD LOWERED 100YDS BOYS’ BACKSTRJOKE AUCKLAND, Friday 4Making a special attempt on his own Dominion record of 73s for the 100 yards intermediate boys’ backstroke. Warren Hart (Christchurch) recorded 72 l-5s in the tepid baths tw-day. IJart will be competing in the New Zealand surf championships to-morrow. THIRD LEB«ON IMPORTANCE OF BALANCE The previous instructions Issued by the National Committee of Swimming and Life-saving for the benefit of those wishing to learn to swim during the present campaign dealt with cgrifidence and flotation. The learner stow proceeds to the important stage of developing the leg action.

The greater part of balanaf la brought about by the a/'tion of legs and feet. Balance, so far as th.e leg action is concerned, is gained by the pressure exerted against the body of water above the leg. It is evident, therefore, that there should be s*fflc4ent relaxation of knees and ankles to get under the surface.

This is an easy way of doing the kick (a) Walk ahead with sVort, rapid steps on the ball of the foot, with the knee slightly bent. Finish each step on tip-toe with the knees straight. Doing this, lean forward until the feet float off the bottom and you are continuing this walking action in a swimming position with the face under water, pushing the leg well out backward to drive the body forward. During this action keep tiic hands extended forward on the surface, palms downward and fingers pointed upward. NOTE: —When you have gained the idea of this, it may be practised by holding to the side or with other support. If you are an expsrienced instructor or an advanced swimmer, you will find that the leg can be analysed as follows; i slightly bent knee. Mi) Loose ankles. Hi Thr foot iif flicked and the leg straightened. (Iv) Upward and backward pressure 1s exerted from thigh to toe. Take care that it is a movement from the thigh. (To be continued.)