Moving sideways

[BlueTrin]

I was watching this video: link

The guys is demonstrating something I have not seen before: he is able to move sideways.

In the video they called it sideways shuffle but I suspect it is not a standard name.

How does he do it ? I don’t get it.

It looks like he is actually alternating between helicopter turns and correcting the angle which makes you move sideways but I am not sure.

 

[g1138]

He's alternating between frog and back kicks but only moving at the calf-to-foot rather than getting the quads involved.
If you alternate between the front and back with even thrust you will just rock back and forward.

When you prioritize more thrust on one side over the other it will strafe you.
I think it would be easier in sidemount over back mount, since backmount would create a bit more drag for strafing.

Me personally I just do this with one leg as it's less effort, but I definitely move slower than the diver in the video.
My leg in the direction of travel is loosely extended and the other is cocked out and finning. You'll actually see my fin pointed opposite in the direction of my strafe. So it doesn't look entirely back-kicky or frog kicky for me.
I find it useful if I need to strafe just a bit to line up a camera shot or create some distance if I'm offset in a student semi-circle during class.

As for usefulness in open water it's really niche. If I have the room I'd just back up 2 feet and frog kick forward in a curving turn. Much more effective use of energy and you'll get to your location quicker than trying to strafe.

 

[TMHeimer]

Good video. Not something I'm gunna try (especially with split fins). He's only moving inches. But, interesting. Guess it could be quite useful if you are a dedicated photographer.