Recently, I’ve been blending freestyle arm strokes with a dolphin kick, and it feels incredible. There’s something about the undulating motion that makes swimming seem more effortless and fluid, almost like finding a natural rhythm in the water. It makes me think of the concepts of effortless swimming and flow, where efficiency and feeling the water are prioritized over brute force.
Using a strong but controlled dolphin kick instead of the typical flutter kick has helped me stay streamlined and maintain more momentum, particularly off the walls. It also seems to engage my core more, creating a connected stroke instead of just relying on my arms.
Has anyone else tried incorporating dolphin kicks into their freestyle? Do you think it could be a viable alternative for longer distances, or is it just a fun drill for body awareness?
Clare said:
Power to you if you’re enjoying it—that’s what matters! But if it were actually faster than freestyle, it would be used in swimming events.
Exactly! I’m all about enjoyment. While I know flutter kicking is more efficient, swimming is a personal journey for me, not a competition. I was hoping for some varied insights. Thanks!
I feel like it would disrupt my rhythm unless I did quick dolphin kicks. I often use dolphin legs with breaststroke since I broke my ankle and can’t do proper breaststroke legs anymore.
Have you checked out the combat swimmer stroke? It incorporates a dolphin kick during the arm recovery. Lots of fun videos on YouTube! I use it as a cool down after workouts.
Since you’re focused on the ‘feel,’ if you love it, go for it! Just keep in mind it’s slower. I wouldn’t expect significant time drops in a meet setting.
As a former competitive distance swimmer now focusing on 1000 and 500-yard frees for masters, I can tell you that dolphin kicking with freestyle isn’t practical for long distances. Your legs consume much more oxygen than your upper body. Dolphin kicking requires more energy, which could diminish your endurance.
In Olympic distance races, most swimmers kick once or twice per stroke, with few high-level distance swimmers kicking excessively.
@Arlo
That’s good to know! I was focusing on dolphin movements but not kicking hard, just to glide with the waves while keeping my body position high and straight. Thanks for the info!
Your description sounds similar to what underwater athletes do after a flip turn: streamline and dolphin kicks. It seems your freestyle technique might not have enough core engagement. Try out drills like single-arm freestyle or kicking with fins to improve your engagement and body position.
You could be kicking wide, causing less propulsion. Practice kicking in a streamlined position with a snorkel too.
Personally, I swim faster and longer distances using a dolphin kick in freestyle than with flutter kicks or variations. Maybe it provides longer rest periods and lets me focus more on my arm pulls.