by Ankle flexibility and strength is an important part of swimming, yet it is often over-looked. I rarely see swimmers stretching their ankles. Increased ankle flexibility and strength will do wonder to your kicking propulsion and do ten times more good to your kick than improving your squat.
Out of all the disciplines out there, Ballet dancers are at the top of the game when it comes to ankle flexibility and strength. Pictures speak a 1000 words, so below is a picture in which a ballet dancer supports the whole body on the tip of a fully extended foot. This technique is called the “Pointe”. It is usually done with “pointe shoes” and requires tremendous ankle strength and flexibility.
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Although its not necessary for swimmers to be able to do the pointe, there are many aspects of the pointe and training done to achieve the pointe that can be beneficial for swimmers. I found two instructional videos on Youtube to be informative. The first one focuses more on the ankles, and it was interesting to hear that Ballerinas utilize a form of PNF stretching as well. At the 1:30 mark she calls it “resistance stretching” but it is essentially the same.
The second video focuses more on toe flexibility, which I have never seen anyone in the swimming world talk about. However I think it can also be very advantageous to have flexible toes. Furthermore, there is no easier way to separate yourself from the crowd than by focusing on something no one else is!