How to Dolphin Kick
The dolphin kick is a fairly easy swimming stroke to learn. The best swimmers are able to move at 9 feet or 1.3 meters per second doing the dolphin kick.[1] It requires doing a body roll underwater to propel yourself forward. A good dolphin kick keeps you underwater longer, which reduces the amount of drag that would otherwise slow you down.[2] Read on to learn how.
[edit]Steps
- Practice on land. Practice doing a body roll while standing on land. Start by rolling your head up and let the rest of your body follow. Imagine a wave is going through your body. Have someone else watch while doing this so they can critique your form. After you have practically perfected the body roll, it's time to get in the water.
3. Keep your legs together. They will probably separate the first few tries. Try hard and keep them together.
4. Have your arms at your sides. To keep them from getting in the way, keep them at your sides with your hands on your hips. This will help you go faster along with keeping your legs together.
5. Practice. Your form will get better and better, and you will probably end up going faster.
6. Improve ankle flexibility. More than 75 percent of the propulsive force of the dolphin kick comes from snapping the ankle.[3] Scientists have observed the Olympian Michael Phelps hyperextending his ankles better than a ballet dancer which helps him whiplash his feet for maximum thrust.[4] Practice stretching your ankles so you can improve your own dolphin kick.
[edit]Tips
- Have someone who knows how to do the dolphin kick watch you and help you perfect your technique.
- If it's your first time and you are not familiar with the stroke, try holding a kickboard in front of you. It will help.
- You can also have a float in between your thighs while you're swimming to help stay afloat the first few tries.
[edit]Warnings
- Don't swim in deep water if it's your first time swimming.
- Children 12 and under should be supervised by an adult while swimming.
