Stupid Question:
Why is it more difficult to do dolphin kick on your stomach underwater than on your back underwater?
It seems that I can kick easier, faster and longer on my back than I can on my stomach.
Is this a matter of biomechanics or am I just a loser who can't do fly kick very well on his stomach underwater?
John Smith
Parents
Former Member
Just a guess.........could it be that we have a natural arch in our back that causes our heads to be back slightly, and therefore, 'pushes' us naturally toward the bottom. When you are on your back, this 'natural' push toward the bottom might eliminate the need to 'drive body position downward' as you do on your stomach, and free up some core muscles, making the kick stronger and more efficient on your back.
I'm interested in this question too. If the above hypothesis is correct then maybe underwater streamline head/arm position should be slightly more down than straight ahead. Has anyone ever looked at videos for the head/arm position of olympic swimmers when they are doing underwater dolfin?
Lainey
Just a guess.........could it be that we have a natural arch in our back that causes our heads to be back slightly, and therefore, 'pushes' us naturally toward the bottom. When you are on your back, this 'natural' push toward the bottom might eliminate the need to 'drive body position downward' as you do on your stomach, and free up some core muscles, making the kick stronger and more efficient on your back.
I'm interested in this question too. If the above hypothesis is correct then maybe underwater streamline head/arm position should be slightly more down than straight ahead. Has anyone ever looked at videos for the head/arm position of olympic swimmers when they are doing underwater dolfin?
Lainey
