【Research Review】Hydrodynamics of the Flip Turn and the Effect of the Underwater Dolphin Kick in Swimming Pools: International Scientific Literature Compilation and Review Report (No. 1332)

Source Journal Reference: Sports Biomechanics • International Scientific Research Findings Review Series

This article examines the hydrodynamic characteristics of underwater glide length and the dolphin kick effect in the swimming pool flip turn.

Mechanical Phase Breakdown of the Flip Turn

The flip turn can be broken down into four mechanical phases: the final stroke approaching the wall, the somersaulting motion, the explosive power output at the moment of wall push-off, and the underwater glide and dolphin kick transition after push-off. Among these, the explosive power at push-off and the gliding posture are the key determinants of speed continuation after the turn—the faster the initial push-off velocity and the better the body’s streamline, the longer the high-speed distance that can be maintained during the underwater glide.

Underwater Glide Depth and Dolphin Kick Initiation Timing

There is an optimal range for underwater glide depth after push-off: too shallow (near the surface) is affected by wave drag at the water surface, while too deep incurs additional distance and time costs for ascending. Most studies recommend an optimal glide depth in the 0.5–0.9 m range below the surface. The timing of dolphin kick initiation is equally critical—kicking while the glide speed is still faster than the cruising pace will actually slow down overall speed due to the drag generated by the kicking motion itself; the high-frequency, low-amplitude dolphin kick should be initiated only after the glide speed has dropped to near the normal pace to sustain underwater momentum.

Time Allocation Across Turn Phases (Schematic)

Core Research Conclusions and Practical Recommendations

• Push-off strength training: Land-based lower-body explosive power training (e.g., jump training) helps improve initial velocity at the moment of wall push-off
• Streamline posture practice: Body posture during the underwater glide phase (arms pressed against ears, body extended) directly affects glide drag and warrants dedicated technical training sets
• Individualized glide distance: Longer glide distance is not always better; the optimal transition point depends on individual push-off strength and dolphin kick ability—excessively prolonging the glide causes excessive speed decay
• Integrating turn rhythm into pace training: Long-distance training sets should incorporate actual turn practice rather than only straight-line swimming, as the cumulative effect of turn quality is considerable in long-distance races

Common Research Q&A (FAQ)

Q: Is a longer underwater glide always better?

A: No. Glide speed continuously decays with distance, and gliding for too long actually lowers average speed. The key is to find the critical point where “the glide is still faster than pace” and transition into the dolphin kick.

Q: Do amateur swimmers also need to practice flip turn technique?

A: Yes. Even for amateur-level long-distance swimmers, the cumulative time benefit of optimized turn technique across an entire race or training session is quite significant and warrants dedicated practice time.

References and Academic Citations

1. Sports Biomechanics — Research directions related to the mechanical phase analysis of swimming turn movements.
2. Journal of Sports Sciences — Literature related to quantitative research on underwater glide depth and dolphin kick efficiency.

Related Reading

• 【Research Review】Hydrodynamics of the Flip Turn and the Effect of the Underwater Dolphin Kick in Swimming Pools: International Scientific Literature Compilation and Review Report (No. 1296)
• 【Research Review】Hydrodynamics of the Flip Turn and the Effect of the Underwater Dolphin Kick in Swimming Pools: International Scientific Literature Compilation and Review Report (No. 423)
• 【Research Review】Hydrodynamics of the Flip Turn and the Effect of the Underwater Dolphin Kick in Swimming Pools: International Scientific Literature Compilation and Review Report (No. 864)
• 【Research Review】Hydrodynamics of the Flip Turn and the Effect of the Underwater Dolphin Kick in Swimming Pools: International Scientific Literature Compilation and Review Report (No. 375)