This may be controversial but is SDK really mandatory for fast freestyle?
Don't see much of it here, it looks like they wan't to surface ASAP:
www.youtube.com/watch
I know proponents will link to Phelps' 200 WR, but other than that, I don't see many people exploiting it.
Will we see huge SDK in freestyle at the upcoming Olympics?
I don't fly because of my back, so my SDK in freestyle is minimal. I'd like to think I don't need it.
I'm keen to watch for it in elite freestyle races and it is a mixed bag. Many are fast without a big prolonged SDK.
Thanks Ande for not being SDK biased. I know you are good at it. I am trying to accomplish proficient freestyle without alot of SDK due to lower back problems and I think it can be done.
Thanks Fortress for the same sentiment. I am experimenting with 1-2 SDK to extend streamline just a bit.
I wouldn't give SDKs another thought, if you have a back problem and dislike them. Plenty of speedy masters sprint freestylers who don't SDK and not many masters-Crocker-types that I've noticed. Just focus on getting a good entry and streamline, as you say. Frankly, one reason I'm so focused on SDKs is my shoulders issues. The more time I spend SDK-ing in practice or meets, the less time I'm hammering my shoulders. Plus, it just breaks up my practices and I enjoy it. But this is definitely a "to each his own" kind of issue. Do some fast race pace swimming instead to improve your sprinting. Good luck!
this is a good example of a high SDK count
www.youtube.com/watch
I don't think Thorpe trained to take more than a couple kicks
each swimmer needs to figure out what works best
This is a good example of a low SDK count.
www.youtube.com/watch
Quicksilver, both of those links are the same. I think you meant this one: www.youtube.com/watch
But as you pointed out: same results, different approach.
Syd
Doh! Thanks Syd!
He makes the pool look very very small.
Interesting topic. SDKs are beneficial to good dolphin kickers, and I think they are beneficial in freestyle events. I've seen a lot of people who aren't good dolphin kickers attempting SDKs in freestyle. It doesn't appear to make them go faster, especially if the amplitude of the body dolphin and kick is too wide and the kick tempo too slow.
In that regard, if I was teaching the technique I might call it SASDK, small-amplitude streamlined dolphin kick...and I'd teach it using fins for kicking and swimming, progressing from long fins to shorter ones gradually over a period of months. If doing dryland to build strength for SDKs, it'd be all about the core.
if you watch crocker's turn / SDK at world's in the 100 fl
there's not much glide after his push off
he begins his SDK almost immediately
there's a little more glide off the start
A submerged dolphin kick done prematurely detracts from a streamlined position and must be done only when forward momentum is slower than the speed generated by the kick itself. The Hillmen Swimming Start Comparison Chart will allow you to objectively measure your "breakout" efficiency.
A SDK is often done prematurely after a push-off from the wall. And let's not forget, swimmers with terrible kicks must come up more quickly then those with better kicks. It is also important to objectivey evaluate turn times (breakouts) to evaluate which kick is the best and the proper distance to kick.
A submerged dolphin kick done prematurely detracts from a streamlined position and must be done only when forward momentum is slower than the speed generated by the kick itself. The Hillmen Swimming Start Comparison Chart will allow you to objectively measure your "breakout" efficiency.
A SDK is often done prematurely after a push-off from the wall. And let's not forget, swimmers with terrible kicks must come up more quickly then those with better kicks. It is also important to objectivey evaluate turn times (breakouts) to evaluate which kick is the best and the proper distance to kick.
