What this swimming skill is
In a dolphin kick, the legs stay together and move up and down as one. The whole body joins in with a gentle wave that runs from the chest down to the feet.
It builds on a steady flutter kick. Your child learns it at the surface, where it becomes the butterfly kick, and after pushing off the wall. Next in this area comes the breaststroke kick.
Why it matters
A step toward butterfly.
The dolphin kick is the kick of butterfly, a goal many children and teens love.
Faster off the wall.
A few dolphin kicks after a push-off give a smooth, speedy start in several strokes.
Strength for the whole body.
The wave uses the tummy and back as well as the legs.
It is fun.
Moving like a dolphin or a mermaid is something children love to practise.
Who it is for
This suits children, teens and adults who already have a steady flutter kick and can push off the wall in a long, stretched shape. Children often pick up the wave quickly through play. Teens who race use it off every wall. If you are learning as an adult, your instructor keeps the wave small and comfortable, especially if your hips or back feel stiff.
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At the surface
The goal
Your child kicks along at the surface with the legs together and a smooth, wave-like body movement. They keep the wave going steadily for 10 metres.
Why it matters
This is the kick that powers butterfly. A relaxed wave at the surface makes the full stroke much easier later.
What happens in lessons
Making waves standing up.
Your child practises a gentle body wave while standing in the water, like a dolphin.
Holding a float.
Your child kicks with the legs together while holding a kickboard.
Arms out in front.
With the arms stretched ahead, the whole body joins the wave.
Keeping it going.
Your child builds up to 10 metres, resting between each try.
How you can help between lessons
- Standing, practise a gentle body wave: chest forward, then hips, then knees. Keep it smooth.
Common questions
- Is the dolphin kick only for butterfly?
- No. It is the butterfly kick, but swimmers also use it after pushing off the wall in front crawl and backstroke. It is also just a fun way to move.
- How long should my child stay underwater doing dolphin kicks?
- Only briefly, and they always come up to breathe when they need to. Lessons never make it a contest to go further underwater. Long breath-holds underwater are dangerous, even for strong swimmers.
- Why does my child's dolphin kick look like a wiggle?
- Early dolphin kicks often come from the knees, or wiggle from side to side. It smooths out with time and practice.
- My hips feel stiff. Can I still learn it?
- Most adults can learn a version of it. Your instructor keeps the wave small and gentle. If anything hurts, stop and tell your instructor.
