I am completely horrible at dolphin kicking and wanted to know what others thought about changing my kick to flutter off walls and starts. Is it possible to be just as fast using the flutter kick (especially on backstroke turns) and does anyone here do it this way?
As others have suggested, do what works better for you. But definitely work on dolphin kicking before deciding to bag it.
I gave it a try for a year, where I did a minimum of 2 dolphin kicks off of every wall in practice (in some cases, more). I eventually went back to a flutter (or glide, depending on the race) despite some improvement. Then again, I do mostly freestyle events where it makes less sense to stay under.
Keep in mind that although there are some superstars that are all about dolphin kicks (Phelps, Coughlin), there are also those who do not (Lezak) and still do well.
As others have suggested, do what works better for you. But definitely work on dolphin kicking before deciding to bag it.
I gave it a try for a year, where I did a minimum of 2 dolphin kicks off of every wall in practice (in some cases, more). I eventually went back to a flutter (or glide, depending on the race) despite some improvement. Then again, I do mostly freestyle events where it makes less sense to stay under.
Keep in mind that although there are some superstars that are all about dolphin kicks (Phelps, Coughlin), there are also those who do not (Lezak) and still do well.
