Still slower than freestyle underwater

I’ve only been swimming seriously in a pool for a few years. Lately, I’ve been working on incorporating underwater dolphin kicks into my freestyle after flip turns. For longer distances, I aim for two kicks before switching to flutter, and for shorter distances, I’m trying three or four kicks.

I’ve heard that elite swimmers find dolphin kicks to be the fastest part of freestyle, but for me, incorporating them slows me down compared to immediately switching to flutter kicking. Should I persist with this process and continue working on it, or does this indicate issues with my technique, suggesting I should avoid developing bad habits?

I’ve watched numerous YouTube tutorials and believe I’m doing it correctly, though I’m not entirely sure.

I feel you. Mastering the freestyle technique can be a bit hard. I think its a bad maneuver of the technique, nothing much

My advice would be to focus on not just bending your knees but making sure your arms and chest stay still. When you are underwater your hips should move up and down. You should feel the top of your legs like on your thighs and around your back too

1 Like

Incorporating underwater dolphin kicks into your freestyle after flip turns can be challenging but rewarding in terms of improving speed and efficiency. Elite swimmers often utilize dolphin kicks as a powerful propulsion technique, especially in shorter distances. However, if you’re finding that dolphin kicks slow you down compared to switching immediately to flutter kicking, it could indicate a few things. First, ensure your technique for dolphin kicks is correct; even small adjustments in body position and kick timing can make a significant difference. It might be helpful to have a coach or experienced swimmer observe your kicks to provide feedback. Additionally, consider your fitness level and endurance for sustaining dolphin kicks over longer distances—they require strong core and leg muscles. Persisting with practice is essential, as it takes time to develop proficiency and integrate dolphin kicks seamlessly into your swim stroke. Focus on gradual improvement and listen to your body to avoid overexertion. With consistent effort and attention to technique, you can enhance your swimming performance with dolphin kicks effectively.

1 Like