This week in the Coach's corner we are going to cover the importance of the underwater dolphin kick, or the "5th stroke" as it is sometimes referred.
There are two videos for your viewing pleasure that provide a good visual as to what we're looking for in a good underwater kick. The first video is a tutorial explaining how to perform a good underwater dolphin kick and shows a couple of athletes performing the motion. While watching be sure to take note of how tightly streamlined they are and how they're using their whole body to propel them through the water.
The second video is Michael Phelps racing the 200M freestyle at the Beijing Olympics. You will notice that he totally dominates off the walls, which is due to his tremendous skill performing the underwater dolphin kick.
Performing a solid underwater kick!
Please enjoy this installment of Athletes Corner and be sure to attempt some of the skills we have gone over at your next practice.
Be sure to check back again next week!
