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How To

How to Swim the Dolphin Crawl Stroke

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

The dolphin crawl is a good stroke to practice while training. It adds power to a normal front crawl and gives a swimmer the extra challenge of timing the kicks to meet the crawl strokes. The kicks themselves resemble a swimming dolphin because you keep your feet together.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Use a front crawl stroke. Floating on your stomach, reach one arm as if you're swimming the forward crawl.

  2. Step 2

    Add the dolphin kick to the stroke. Keep both feet together. Use the same kick used when doing the butterfly stroke.

  3. Step 3

    Kick both feet by raising the hips up in the water then pushing feet downward as you reach out the first arm.

  4. Step 4

    Set up for the second kick immediately. This kick works in conjunction with alternate arm motion.

  5. Step 5

    Extend your second arm out in front of you, and dolphin kick at the same time. Keep your face in the water through the entire cycle.

Tips & Warnings
  • Do two dolphin kicks per front crawl cycle--one with each arm extension.
  • If done right, the dolphin kick propels your hips out of the water as the kick starts, and push your shoulders up and out as it ends.
  • The dolphin crawl is usually used for training purposes. It is taught as a variation to the front crawl.
  • Don't just use your feet to kick. The dolphin kick requires the use of your hips, thighs and lower legs.

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