Dolphin kick

The kick used in butterfly is called a dolphin kick because the legs move as one unit, like the tail of the dolphin. This kick is also used underwater during the starts and turns of butterfly, freestyle, and backstroke (and in the fly-back and breast-free IM transition turns) One dolphin kick consists of two parts: the upbeat and the downbeat and swimmers execute two dolphin kicks during each stroke cycle.

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Common mistakes during the first upsweep in backstroke

We've already discussed the most common mistakes swimmers do during the entry (here) and first downsweep (here) of their armstroke in backstroke, so today it's time to talk about what backstrokers should try and avoid during the first upsweep of their armstroke. Some of the most common mistakes they make during the first upsweep are: pulling with a straight arm, sculling the hand vertically, and pushing up against the water with the palm of the hand.

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Drag in swimming

Drag is the term used to identify the resistance of water to swimmers' movements through it. That resistance is caused by a difference in pressure between the water in front of and behind swimmers. Objects tend to be pushed from areas of high pressure toward areas of low pressure. Consequently, if the pressure of the water in front of swimmers is greater than the pressure behind, their speed will be decreased unless they can overcome the added pressure by stroking with greater force. The reduction in speed will be in direct proportion to the magnitude of the difference in water pressure in front of and behind the body.

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What to avoid during the first downsweep in backstroke

The most common mistakes that swimmers make during the first downsweep in backstroke is trying to push back against the water before the arm is deep enough and wide enough to make an effective catch. This mistake can take two forms: swimmers puh water down or they push water to the side.

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Sunday's motivational quote 8

Madam Butterfly

Mary T. Meagher (born in October 27th, 1964) is an American swimming legend and one of the greatest butterfly swimmers ever. In 1979 she broke her first world record in the 200m butterfly and was ready to race for her first Olympic medals at the 1980 Games in Moscow. However, Meagher, along with the rest of the United States Olympic Team, never gor her chance due to the American led boycott of the Games.

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Psychological benefits of swimming

Swimming is a fun activity and it provides a multitude of mental and physical benefits. Adults who engage in swimming are healthier and happier than people who live a sedentary life. Swimming may prolong life. According to research, swimmers have lower mortality rates than runners, walkers and those with sedentary lifestyles. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk for developing life threatening health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. So, what can senior and younger swimmers can gain mentally from swimming?

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