I just started doing this this week and have already felt an improvement in my stroke. So I was just curious to know if anyone else breathes to the side on fly?
If you do, do you keep your head to the side, or do you flip back and forth between front and side? What advatages to you notice to side breathing as compared to front? How to you make adjustments for the arm you can't see?
If you don't, have you ever considered trying it? What advantages to you see in breathing to the front as compared to the side?
Just thought it would be interesting to find out about different peoples swimming styles.
Parents
Former Member
Originally posted by DAP
Same here. I have attempted fly a couple times, but I haven't quite figured out dolphin kicking. I know what I'm supposed to do, but I can't get the coordination right. Occasionally, I get a couple good cycles in and actually get some propulsion, but most of the time I'm dead in the water, and I look like I'm using the Ab-o-cizer. It's embarrassing when other people are around. So breathing style during the fly is the least of my concerns right now; but I'll watch this thread so when the time comes, I'll know how I should try to breathe.
When I swam age group swimming, I started out swimming fly with only one kick per stroke which my coaches quickly told me was one kick too few. They drug me in the pool after workout and taught me the two kick beat in a way I found worked.
Here is what I was taught. Maybe it will work for you:
Push off the wall and glide holding your arms out in front and dolphin kick twice. Then pull your arms through one full stroke. Then holding your arms out in front (by the thumbs for example), kick two dolphin kicks. Then pull through. As you continue this drill, your arms eventually begin releasing into a stroke while you are completing your second kick. Eventually, the timing of the two kicks and one stroke develop.
It worked for me and I developed a respectable butterfly. As I have grown older (40 now) the timing is still there. THe strength in my abs and shoulders and lungs needs continuour work, though. I have found that practicing the upbeat of my kick really propels my upper torso out of the water. I also have found that if my kick is strong, my arms and shoulders remain fresh longer.
Good luck. Hope this helps.
Originally posted by DAP
Same here. I have attempted fly a couple times, but I haven't quite figured out dolphin kicking. I know what I'm supposed to do, but I can't get the coordination right. Occasionally, I get a couple good cycles in and actually get some propulsion, but most of the time I'm dead in the water, and I look like I'm using the Ab-o-cizer. It's embarrassing when other people are around. So breathing style during the fly is the least of my concerns right now; but I'll watch this thread so when the time comes, I'll know how I should try to breathe.
When I swam age group swimming, I started out swimming fly with only one kick per stroke which my coaches quickly told me was one kick too few. They drug me in the pool after workout and taught me the two kick beat in a way I found worked.
Here is what I was taught. Maybe it will work for you:
Push off the wall and glide holding your arms out in front and dolphin kick twice. Then pull your arms through one full stroke. Then holding your arms out in front (by the thumbs for example), kick two dolphin kicks. Then pull through. As you continue this drill, your arms eventually begin releasing into a stroke while you are completing your second kick. Eventually, the timing of the two kicks and one stroke develop.
It worked for me and I developed a respectable butterfly. As I have grown older (40 now) the timing is still there. THe strength in my abs and shoulders and lungs needs continuour work, though. I have found that practicing the upbeat of my kick really propels my upper torso out of the water. I also have found that if my kick is strong, my arms and shoulders remain fresh longer.
Good luck. Hope this helps.
