I noticed that Natalie Coughlin kicks underwater dolphin kick on her side for the 100m fly SCM recently. I have always felt it was easier to kick on your side or kick on your back. Why it is easier than face down, I don't know. Perhaps it is physics...... perhaps it's just my own inability. I didn't know it was legal to kick all the way on your side on fly.
This sport has changed too much. There's too much "cheatin" going on now. I can't handle it..... :-)
John Smith
I was bored yesterday, so I swam some 25's with varying numbers of SDKs on the breakout just 'cuz. All were free from a push. First I did a no kick breakout, then one with one SDK, then 2, 3, etc. up to 7. Effort was moderate -- not really trying to simulate race conditions, but not trying to be perfect or smooth, either. I didn't time anything, but I did try and keep track of where I broke out.
I reached a point of diminishing to zero return at 2 or 3. I got neither distance nor any perceived speed benefit out of taking 4, 5, 6, or 7 kicks. 2 or 3 got me a little further down the lane and got me up and on top ready to swim better than no SDK at all, or a flutter.
I tried 6 & 7 kicks a couple of times trying to decrease the kick amplitude and increase the kick velocity with no real effect.
I tried a couple of fast turns with 2 SDKs after the turn. I come off the wall on my left side, so I kicked the first SDK on my side while transitioning to flat. The side ones felt pretty good, and natural to put in at that point.
My SDK is pretty weak. It generally takes me 21 - 23 kicks to cover 25 meters. My flutter is worse, though.
I concluded that I should stick to 3 off the start and 2 off turns in the 50/100for now. I think I'll gain more benefit by concentrating on streamlining and not breathing first stroke in longer races.
As always, your mileage will undoubtedly vary.
I was bored yesterday, so I swam some 25's with varying numbers of SDKs on the breakout just 'cuz. All were free from a push. First I did a no kick breakout, then one with one SDK, then 2, 3, etc. up to 7. Effort was moderate -- not really trying to simulate race conditions, but not trying to be perfect or smooth, either. I didn't time anything, but I did try and keep track of where I broke out.
I reached a point of diminishing to zero return at 2 or 3. I got neither distance nor any perceived speed benefit out of taking 4, 5, 6, or 7 kicks. 2 or 3 got me a little further down the lane and got me up and on top ready to swim better than no SDK at all, or a flutter.
I tried 6 & 7 kicks a couple of times trying to decrease the kick amplitude and increase the kick velocity with no real effect.
I tried a couple of fast turns with 2 SDKs after the turn. I come off the wall on my left side, so I kicked the first SDK on my side while transitioning to flat. The side ones felt pretty good, and natural to put in at that point.
My SDK is pretty weak. It generally takes me 21 - 23 kicks to cover 25 meters. My flutter is worse, though.
I concluded that I should stick to 3 off the start and 2 off turns in the 50/100for now. I think I'll gain more benefit by concentrating on streamlining and not breathing first stroke in longer races.
As always, your mileage will undoubtedly vary.
