Enough with the SDK!

Alternatively: "If not, you should be working on your SDK"?

Ask yourself one question: Do you kick faster than you swim? If not, you're wasting your time down there off every wall. :) Yes!

This is good, we need more SDK controversies around here. If I don't see one every 12 hours or so, I get bored :D

I will do a few from the start, but even then I need to get on top soon because my dolphin kick isnt streamlined

I will work on my SDKs for off the starts, where I usually do about 6-7 or so of them, and after that, I will continue to work on actually STREAMLINING off the walls. My hands most of the time aren't even touching each other! :afraid: I'd love to be able to come off my last turn of a 200 Free and SDK like Phelps, but I don't think it's going to happen, and I'm not one that's going to "waste my time" SDKing when my better events are middle dist/distance free, and 400 IM, 200 Fly (I usually streamline glide w/out kicking on my fly to save energy for the pulling). :) That's my own way, I don't suggest you copy it.

In 200 fly SDK saves me a few strokes every turn!:applaud:

I will work on my SDKs for off the starts, where I usually do about 6-7 or so of them, and after that, I will continue to work on actually STREAMLINING off the walls. My hands most of the time aren't even touching each other! :afraid: I'd love to be able to come off my last turn of a 200 Free and SDK like Phelps, but I don't think it's going to happen, and I'm not one that's going to "waste my time" SDKing when my better events are middle dist/distance free, and 400 IM, 200 Fly (I usually streamline glide w/out kicking on my fly to save energy for the pulling). :) That's my own way, I don't suggest you copy it. I could have written this post as well. My Superman look off the walls is more important right now. Of course, rotator cuff issues means I can't swim so all I'm doing it kicking. I hope it helps me!

I think what slows most people down is that when they try to do SDK, they haven’t practiced it and aren't doing it correctly and are really just creating drag, maybe they just don't have the needed core strength, or their feet aren't flexible enough or large enough to provide any kicking momentum. Exactly! Don't expect to have good SDKs if you don't train them or have the strength to execute them. Here is what USA Swimming says about developing an SDK: "We are frequently asked for dolphin kick training tips and ideas to improve under waters. We have found that the keys to a strong dolphin kick are core and leg strength, ankle flexibility, and executing quick, snappy kicks that finish all the way through the toes. Based on these keys, we recommend using both vertical kicking and a monofin to improve dolphin kicking. Doing sets with a monofin will not only build strength in the appropriate core and leg muscles needed for dolphin kick, but it will also improve ankle flexibility. The key with using a monofin is to start slow and build up to larger sets as the swimmer becomes stronger." I started training with a monofin years ago.

I think the correct question is: Do you kick off the wall faster than you swim mid-pool?

This is a great question... It's a good one to ask a swimming buddy while you are in practice or at a meet of yourself - if you don't like their answer to it, then keep working at it. Ande has great info here and here - especially post #10.