How to teach the dolphin kick effectively

The dolphin kick is used in the butterfly stroke. Many people fear the butterfly, but once they try the stroke they realize that they can do it, and are good at it! A good way to think of this kick is by picturing dolphins swimming--they don't call it the dolphin kick for nothing! Another way is to picture how a mermaid would swim with her giant tail. The kick consists of a continuous undulation of the legs that begins in the hips. Once the kick is learned, the arms can be incorporated into the full stroke.

Instructions

    • 1

      On the pool deck, stand with your hands over your head, feet together and knees loose. Beginning in your sternum, roll your body downward in a wave motion.

    • 2

      Push your sternum back, then hips back as the sternum comes forward, thighs back as hips move forward, knees bending as you roll. The main areas to focus on rolling are hips, knees, and ankles. This is the movement that you will be doing in the water. Practice until you can move your legs in place fluidly.

    • 3

      In the water, put on fins if you have them, and push off the wall underwater. With arms at your side, swim underwater using your legs to propel you through the water by using the same ripple motion. Keep your legs together and begin the kick at the hips.

    • 4

      Once you can successfully swim underwater, it's time to move to the surface. Take your kickboard and hold it out in front of you, lying in the water on your stomach.

    • 5

      Use the waterline as a target for your roll. Begin kicking from the hip by trying to lift your hips out of the water. Keep your head above water.

    • 6

      Once you are able to kick on the waterline, it's time to add the arms and complete the stroke!