It is my understanding that the flutter kick is characterized by an alternating movement of the legs at the knees with minimum movement of the thighs (i.e., the kick is powered by the thighs). By way of comparison, the scissor kick is characterized by an alternating movement at the hips with the legs kept fairly straight (i.e., the kick is powered by the hips).
The bicycle kick and its variations are characterized by an alternating movement of the legs at the hips and knees, creating a 120-90 degree angle by raising the heel towards the buttocks while simultaneously straightening the other leg in a circular fashion (as the name implies). I've read articles on freediving that use this technique as the primary/basic method of propulsion.
In practice I morph all three kicks into one technique, occasionally using the dolphin kick on ascents. That is, I combine elements of all three, emphasizing different aspects at different times to achieve a desired result; a high frequency/low amplitude flutter emphasis for speed, a low frequency/medium amplitude mix for relaxed descents, etc. I don't consciously think about it though, it happens naturally.
I also use a 'sculling' technique (I don't know if it has a proper name) for loitering maneuverability/propulsion and occasionally on ascents when I become positively buoyant. It is characterized by a slow relaxed lateral movement at the hips with the legs kept 'straight', like a jumping jack. The toes are pointed in on the outstroke and out on the instroke. This technique requires little energy and fatigues different muscles than those used for main propulsion. I've been doing this since I began diving, I guess it's just a quirk of my personality...
Does anyone else do this?
P.S. this is my first post, please be gentle!
Ward F. Ward
