The dolphin kick will be allowed in breaststroke races soon. This will make Japan happy, as will it make a certain university in California vindicated that all of its breaststrokers have been doing that kick for at least 15 years.
www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../9740.asp
Personally, I don't want to do it. But of course I'll have to if I want to win against those who have total freedom to do it.
This is the worst rule change ever.
Originally, the dolphin kick was allowed inthe *** stroke. In a way we are only going back to the origin of the stroke. Does anyone know when the two were distinguished from one another? I think it was inthe late 50s. I know that it is mentioned in Swimmign Fastest.
good point Ande, when does it go into effect...this weekend? If so I hope Brendan is in the pool now working on it! I remember folks being upset about the "new" backstoke turn as opposed to the old sit spin, and frankly I'm glad the underwater dolphin kicking was defined to 15 m.
Originally posted by Jeff Commings
The dolphin kick will be allowed in breaststroke races soon. This will make Japan happy, as will it make a certain university in California vindicated that all of its breaststrokers have been doing that kick for at least 15 years.
Is this kick going to be allowed in addition to the underwater breaststroke kick that is allowed after the underwater pull (which is what happened at the Olympics)?
Bob
I don't know Paul, I just adviced a swimmer about his backstoke start who was going to a SCM meet sanctioned by FINA, and I didn't see much leeway in their rules as it applies to Masters swimmers. (I thought perhaps he could start on the wall which is legal in USMS, but my reading of the rules I adviced him to grab the block bars and start from the block). Most of their rules seemed to address mixed gender relays and I did notice the backstroke rule you noted.
Originally posted by aquageek
I am completely in favor of this. My *** stroke stinks so any advantage that keeps me from finishing dead last is appreciated.
I think this is going to cause the *** stroke to be faster and we might see impacts on records in relays and individual events. A few big dolphin kicks coming off the wall over the course of a race will increase speed I would think. Anyone else agree? Oh, I agree but what do the records really mean? The rules have changed so any new record breaking time does not hold much water with me. A very similar situation is playing out with MLB. Players such as Barry Bonds are breaking HR records but what are those records really worth if they are using enhancement drugs?
From the article it appears that you will only get one dolphin kick off the wall. I would also assume that one kick will be in addition to the the one underwater whip kick.
Hook'em
Blue
