A COMPARISON OF UNDERWATER GLIDING AND KICKING TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Net forces created when towing swimmers through water were examined for gliding and undelwater kicking. Sixteen experienced male swimmers of similar body shape were towed through water via a motorised winch and pulley system. A load cell measured net force (propulsive force - drag force) at velocities of 1.6, 1.9, 2.2, 2.5 and 3.1 ms-', respectively. At each velocity swimmers performed a prone streamline glide; lateral streamline glide; prone freestyle kick; prone dolphin kick; and lateral dolphin kick. A 2- way repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between the gliding and kicking conditions at different velocities. Results suggest that there is an optimal velocity at which to begin undelwater kicking in order to prevent energy loss from excessive active drag.