Underwater kicking and height

I would be curious if shorter swimmers can underwater kick as fast or faster than taller swimmers and if they should work to exploit this more than the typical effort given to underwater kicking. I believe Fortress said this is one of the reasons she focuses on underwater technique. I'm guessing she might have a reference or two to back up that stance.

Taller swimmers have less wave drag at any given swimming speed,so they have an advantage at the surface.Underwater you shouldn't generate surface waves and height is a negligible factor.

Didn't Misty Hyman refer to this issue in her interview in the current Swimmer, noting how the 15-meter rule favored tall swimmers more than shorter swimmers who might benefit more from the opportunity to SDK farther?

UW I believe, partly requires natural talent from genes (i.e., large feet, ankle flexibility, and relatively shorter legs) Don't forget hip and back flexibility. Look at that photo of Misty Hyman. I can pretty much guarantee you I've never come anywhere close to having that kind of lordosis in my spine.

I think it's a lot to do with each of our flexibility -yes. I am older & have always been more flexible than others my age.

I don't think Hyman specifically stated UW kicking favored short swimmers. I will have to re read. Interesting thoughts about leg length. Was first sorting out height, before thinking of leg length. Is there data or respected opinion that shows shorter swimmers can exploit UW kicking?

Thanks for posting, good read and still working on digesting this one - Love that you and others post research(esque, as the article humbly points out). Putting my uneducated, unqualified .02 in, if you look at who is known for underwater ability it isn't the exclusive domain of tall swimmers. I'd say superior flexibility and dedication to the skill set are bigger factors than height.

I think it's a lot to do with each of our flexibility -yes. I am older & have always been more flexible than others my age.Orca's are also some of the quickest accelerating mammals in the water, and though they may be quite tall (or long), their legs are very short.;)

I have my own opinion on this topic, not just because I suck at kicking under the surface, but from basic physics. Firstly I believe UW streamlining comes from the ability to flex, bend and hold yourself in that position. The major benefit taller swimmers have here, is reaching the destination sooner with height. But the ability to glide efficiently in streamlined position is one thing, being able to carry momentum and propel oneself under the surface (and at a faster speed than at the surface) is another. To do this with undulating kicks UW I believe, partly requires natural talent from genes (i.e., large feet, ankle flexibility, and relatively shorter legs), where shorter legs allow greater backward facing leverage of the propulsive surface on top of the feet, but with less frontal drag than someone with longer legs, who would have to increase kick amplitude (drag) to achieve same leverage. What do you think, am I right?

Nick Thoman's coach had mentioned that taller swimmers have difficulty staying *connected* to their underwater kicks as compared to shorter athletes. Not sure why, but he says that Nick takes advantage of u/w kicking with his shorter height. Interesting that he and Matt Grevers both went :44 for the 100 scy back this year. And Grevers is a giant in comparison. www.youtube.com/watch I remember seeing this! Also compare Cindy Tran (short 2x NCAA winner in 100 back, great UWs) or Natalie Coughlin with Missy Franklin (tall with sub par UWs). At 5'4", I'm pretty short for a swimmer. I was a gymnast when young, so very flexy. My times have been improving since adding more UW kicks (even in free -- I take 12 SDKs off the start of the 50 free). I agree with Allen's point above: tall swimmers have the advantage on the surface, but that advantage is erased UW. I also agree with Misty about the 15 meter rule taking away a weapon. I wouldn't go crazy and stay under forever, but I'm not decelerating at 15 meters so wouldn't mind a few more kicks, especially in long course. Oh, I don't have particularly short legs or big feet.