In freestyle and backstroke, perhaps everyone has a favorite side to start the first stroke, either left arm, or right arm, making the first pull. How many can start on both sides equally well? Even if not equally well, how many can nonetheless make a fairly okay start on the weaker side? Do the professionals train on both sides?
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Thanks for the replies. It seems you all can start on either sides. I don't do the dolphin kick to start. I just push off the wall, and if I try to start on the side that I'm not used to, it is extremely awkward, almost impossible. I wonder if this is something I should overcome, to get used to both sides, or it is unimportant--maybe the main disadvantage is that in the long run it can result in the asymmetrical muscle development. I wonder if the professional swimmers deliberately train both sides, or are even required to do so?
Thanks for the replies. It seems you all can start on either sides. I don't do the dolphin kick to start. I just push off the wall, and if I try to start on the side that I'm not used to, it is extremely awkward, almost impossible. I wonder if this is something I should overcome, to get used to both sides, or it is unimportant--maybe the main disadvantage is that in the long run it can result in the asymmetrical muscle development. I wonder if the professional swimmers deliberately train both sides, or are even required to do so?
