Why do people kick like this?

[Patoux01]

I can hardly get in that position though, I'd be kicking all the water towards the bottom, which defeats the purpose...

 

[Steelyeyes]

Some people with joint problems can’t do a frog kick where both legs rotate out and then “clap” together.

An alternative is to rotate them in the same direction which is much easier to do.

My wife has had the same knee replaced twice (long story) and she kicks something like that. It's not efficient, or stylish but it works good enough to keep her diving.

 

[Diver0001]

I can hardly get in that position though, I'd be kicking all the water towards the bottom, which defeats the purpose...

I was at the pool tonight and gave it a go out of curiosity. Let's just say that it would take me considerable practice to make it work to even a marginal extent.

R..

 

[dmaziuk]

Tried it too. I think if you can make it work, your dolphin kick likely works twice as well.