I apologize if a similar thread has already been started. I did a quick search, and found nothing on it.
I submit, the new rule change is poorly written.
It is obvious, the new rule, in simplest terms, dolphin kick allowed during the pullout, was created because the motion created by a style of the pull phase made it hard, if not impossible, to detect an illegal downward kick, from above.
I put this loophole in the rule out, in hopes an official sees this, and ammends the rule before damage is done.
The loophole:
On the start and turns, I perform the dolphin kick before I start my pull (much like the start of a butterfly stroke). This definately propels me forward. Then, as I perform my pull, I can still 'sneak' in that illegal dolphin kick.
It would have been more appropriate if the rules were specific about when the dolphin kick could occur during the pullout. Something like, "...a single dolphin kick is allowed from when the hands separate to when the hands pass the waist..."
Just my 2 cents, and foiling those who thought they'd get an advantage.
Parents
Former Member
Breastroker, the 'sneak' kick goes like this.
If you start your glide on a 30degree down bubble, then use your pull to change your angle of attack to 30degree up, that transition causes a natural 'whip' like motion with your feet actually moving downward. This motion is legal so long as the 'down' motion is not an intentional downward kick. Some have chosen to take advantage of this down motion and turn it into an intentional downward kick. If done at the perfect time, without bending the knees too much, intent cannot be determined from above the surface (where the officials stand). Trust me, breaststrokers have been getting away with this for years.
I will still stand behind my initial comment, the rule should have been more specific as to where the downward kick is allowed (such as during the pull phase). Although my timing of the legal downward kick has been put to rest, via the interpretation, I still submit, 2 dolphin kicks can still be performed.
As opposed to my first submission, let's say the swimmer uses the 'whip' technique to sneak in the first dolphin kick. Following which, while ones hands are at ones side, throw in a dolphin kick prior to the recovery phase. The official could not readily say you used your dolphin kick on the pull, as determined we have been getting away with this for years.
Breastroker, the 'sneak' kick goes like this.
If you start your glide on a 30degree down bubble, then use your pull to change your angle of attack to 30degree up, that transition causes a natural 'whip' like motion with your feet actually moving downward. This motion is legal so long as the 'down' motion is not an intentional downward kick. Some have chosen to take advantage of this down motion and turn it into an intentional downward kick. If done at the perfect time, without bending the knees too much, intent cannot be determined from above the surface (where the officials stand). Trust me, breaststrokers have been getting away with this for years.
I will still stand behind my initial comment, the rule should have been more specific as to where the downward kick is allowed (such as during the pull phase). Although my timing of the legal downward kick has been put to rest, via the interpretation, I still submit, 2 dolphin kicks can still be performed.
As opposed to my first submission, let's say the swimmer uses the 'whip' technique to sneak in the first dolphin kick. Following which, while ones hands are at ones side, throw in a dolphin kick prior to the recovery phase. The official could not readily say you used your dolphin kick on the pull, as determined we have been getting away with this for years.
