Skills & drills
Single Leg Flutter Kick
This drill will help improve the propulsion of your kick and will improve your strength and technique at the same time. Swim freestyle kick using a kickboard but add a kick sequence. 5 kicks with just one leg, then kick 5 times with the other leg, and so forth.
How to do it
- Use a kickboard and kick 5 times with just one leg while keeping the other leg still by stretching it
- Drive the kick from your hip and bend the knee slightly, creating propulsion with your foot
- Alternate legs and maintain a steady rhythm, use fins if your kick needs some more practice
Focus points
- Relax your knees, feet and ankles as much as possible while kicking, but keep your legs stretched as much as possible
- Make sure to relax your breathing while performing this drill, it helps you relax your legs when kicking
- Push your glutes to the surface as much as possible by engaging your core, do not hang in your shoulders
Coach tip
This drill also increases your ankle flexibility, which allows you to kick easier. Try to keep your kick constant during your freestyle, without using strength. You will notice that your freestyle becomes more balanced because your kick supports your stroke.
