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Abstract
The dolphin butterfly stroke is relatively new in intercollegiate swimming competition, and it is apparent that many different methods of timing the kick with the arm stroke are being used. This study presents a method for the measurement of component velocities within one swimming stroke cycle. The ratio of maximum to minimum component velocities is suggested as an index of stroke efficiency. The method presented was used to analyze and compare these variations in velocity within the stroke cycle of two outstanding dolphin butterfly stroke swimmers. An attempt was made to identify factors of body mechanics which might have contributed to the variance of velocities within the stroke cycle of these swimmers. Since acceleration and deceleration are costly in terms of energy requirements, it is thought that the method presented may provide an approach to improving swimming.