Flutter kicks are more complex than they appear. The movement involves small kicks from the hips with sufficient force, while keeping knees relaxed and feet flexible. Trying to focus on each body part while kicking is not feasible, no matter how sharp your concentration is. What you, or your students, need is one easy-to-follow drill that naturally gets the movement right without too much thinking.  

One Drill to Rule Them All

With one simple drill, beginners will kick with more confidence from the very first day. 

First, lie on your back with a float (a noodle wrapped around your torso, for example). This position allows you to visualize your leg movement from a comfortable angle. Begin by splashing your feet without letting your knees break the surface. With hidden knees and splashy feet, you will do exactly what flutter kicks require: forcing your hip to initiate the movement, and pointing your toes to make your feet push more water. If you start moving backward, that means your leg kicks are working. 

"Kick on your back, hide your knees under the water, and only splash with your feet." 
 

Applying the Kick to the Front Position

After some practice, you will notice that flutter kicks begin to feel natural. Some swimmers fail when trying to kick in the front position. If that happens, don't worry, you haven't actually forgotten anything. Start on your back again, and slowly rotate your body with steady kicks, until you have fully rolled onto your front. Performing the kicks while rolling helps build the right muscle memory. 

Why Basic Instructions Don't Work

Learning new moves is hard, but learning new moves in a new environment is even more so. Flutter kicks, every beginner's nightmare, are one of those moves that take time to master. However, with the right instructions, the learning process can become less intimidating. Whether you are learning flutter kicks or teaching them, the following pointers are for you. 
 

How Beginners Typically Kick

Beginners typically kick from their knees, as if riding a bicycle. This motion doesn't propel but only wastes energy splashing on the spot. Beginners also kick with stiff feet, limiting the surface area. Other common mistakes include wide kicks and a stiff body that sways with each kick, propelling the swimmer nowhere. But these common patterns don't rule out other, individual kicking mistakes. 

Practice, Practice, and Practice

Learning the proper technique is just the first step to learning any skill. Practice, and a lot of it, is the second step. Start with a kickboard for focused leg drills before moving to a full stroke. Constant practice helps swimmers kick properly without having to think about the movement. 
 

Drills to Improve Flutter Kicks

In addition to rotation kicks, kicking on your back, and kicking with a kickboard, there are other drills to help beginners improve their flutter kicks after they've learned the basics. 
 

1. Vertical Kicks

Start this drill while holding a noodle or a kickboard while kicking to stay upright in deep water. Then try the drill without a float. 
 

2. Kicking with Fins

Fins add resistance and force proper ankle movement. On the other hand, your muscles will have to work harder, so be mindful of your body and practice gradually with a certified instructor. 

3. Kicking Counts

This simple drill helps beginners control their leg movements and increase propulsion. The idea is to count the number of flutter kicks for the first lap and then aim for fewer kicks in the next laps. 

Please note that the information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and reliable content, always consult with a certified swim instructor or healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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