Did or did not his dolphin kicks happen BEFORE he started his arm pull on both the start and the turn? Because I sure saw that it happened before his hands started to move. Is this legal under FINA rules? Because it sure as heck isn't under USA swimming rules.
Generally, you watch each swimmer's entire body and look for the arms to reach the widest part of the stroke before the swimmer performs any kick--be it a dolphin-breaststroke combo, or just a breaststroke kick. Just starting to move the arms apart does not qualify as the beginning of an arm pull; the hands have to turn inward and start pulling water in order for the arm pull to have commenced. No kick may take place until an arm pull has begun due to the cyclical nature of the breaststroke.
Yes, the motion of the hands towards the hips does consistute the start of the arm pull. And we're taught to watch the feet then check the hands not to watch the middle of the swimmer.
Also, there is no requirement that the hands must be turned inward.
Generally, you watch each swimmer's entire body and look for the arms to reach the widest part of the stroke before the swimmer performs any kick--be it a dolphin-breaststroke combo, or just a breaststroke kick. Just starting to move the arms apart does not qualify as the beginning of an arm pull; the hands have to turn inward and start pulling water in order for the arm pull to have commenced. No kick may take place until an arm pull has begun due to the cyclical nature of the breaststroke.
Yes, the motion of the hands towards the hips does consistute the start of the arm pull. And we're taught to watch the feet then check the hands not to watch the middle of the swimmer.
Also, there is no requirement that the hands must be turned inward.
