As a sprint butterflyer, until recently I never questioned the sort of underwater dolphin kicks I should do: as fast as physically possible, then pop up and go at it hammer and tongs.
At my LC Zone Championships I tried something different. I was still dealing with the effects of a virus that severely inhibited my taper period. All my times were quite slow, so with nothing to lose I decided to try an experiment. In my 50 meter butterfly, instead of my usual frantic underwater dolphin, I made the kicks slower and more deliberate, stayed underwater longer, and then kept my stroke fast but under control.
The result was a time that, while slow, was significantly better than my other times this meet. It was about 2% off my normal times, but my other races were 4-6% slower. It is clear, as a knowledgable butterflyer suggested, that I was probably "slipping" and failing to grab water with my superfast kicks and stroke. By slowing my kicks and my stroke slightly, I "grabbed" more water and moved faster.
I wonder if anyone else can offer an opinion on dolphin kicks and sprinting? It is clear that everyone must find what is best for them - it may be that a slightly slower, more deliberate underwater dolphin coupled with a controlled stoke is best for me. This may not be the best for you. Any thoughts?
I never think of the hips I think of head and shoulders. The hips and legs have to follow suit.
? For underwater kicks, the head and shoulders need to stay pretty still. All the undulation is below the chest.
Linsday, I saw that NPR article too...it verifies what I feel when I try to kick with shoes on. Flexible ankles are absolutely critical. (You can't change the size of your feet but you can increase flexibility.) So is a flexible lower back and a strong core.
My on :2cents:, for what its worth: I never really understood or followed the advice for shallow and fast kicks. I don't think you should sacrifice "hip amplitude" on the kicks for turnover.
But on sprints your hips should be moving pretty fast -- I would never say they should be "slow and deliberate" (maybe they feel that way by comparison to your old kick).
The same number of dolphin kicks gets me out to 15 meters whether I am going fast or moderate...I just get there quicker on sprints, which must mean the turnover is faster.
I never think of the hips I think of head and shoulders. The hips and legs have to follow suit.
? For underwater kicks, the head and shoulders need to stay pretty still. All the undulation is below the chest.
Linsday, I saw that NPR article too...it verifies what I feel when I try to kick with shoes on. Flexible ankles are absolutely critical. (You can't change the size of your feet but you can increase flexibility.) So is a flexible lower back and a strong core.
My on :2cents:, for what its worth: I never really understood or followed the advice for shallow and fast kicks. I don't think you should sacrifice "hip amplitude" on the kicks for turnover.
But on sprints your hips should be moving pretty fast -- I would never say they should be "slow and deliberate" (maybe they feel that way by comparison to your old kick).
The same number of dolphin kicks gets me out to 15 meters whether I am going fast or moderate...I just get there quicker on sprints, which must mean the turnover is faster.
