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 part of the leg while kicking is tricky, 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 this one simple drill, beginners will start kicking with 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 lifting your knees. By keeping your knees submerged, allowing only your feet to break the surface, you will force your legs to kick correctly. Your knees won't initiate the kick because they are locked underwater, which will force the correct hip movement. Creating splashes will also encourage you to use the entire foot surface correctly. How do you know that you're doing it right? If you start moving without getting too tired, that means your leg kicks are working. 

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

I should note that the splashing of the feet is only for the benefit of this drill. Effective flutter kicks typically occur underwater with minimal splashing. 

Applying the Kick to the Front Position

After some practice, you will notice that flutter kicks begin to feel natural. Some swimmers, however, fail when switching to 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 while kicking with a steady pace, until you have fully rolled onto your front. Kicking 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. 
 

Common Flutter Kick Mistakes

Splashing with legs without actually moving forward is a common sight in swimming classes. Beginners typically kick from their knees, which keeps them stuck in one spot. Stiff feet, or not using the entire foot surface when kicking,  is another mistake that prevents propulsion. Even kicking from the hips can be wrong if the legs move too wide, also propelling swimmers nowhere. Of course, 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, comes next. Start with a kickboard for focused leg drills before moving to a full stroke. 
 

Drills to Improve Flutter Kicks

In addition to kicking on your back, kicking while rotating, and kicking with a kickboard, there are other useful drills to try. Only practice the following drills once you've mastered the flutter kick 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. 

Moving To a Full Stroke

When flutter kicks feel natural and effective, you can safely incorporate them into your crawl or backstroke. If moving your arms breaks the correct kicking motion, try adding brief pauses between arm strokes to get your legs back on track. Using fins, if available, helps create more supportive kicks. Holding a kickboard can also provide support, helping you focus on your legs. For example, hug the kickboard against your chest in backstroke, and hold it in front of you while swimming front crawl, then move one arm at a time. 

Don't be discouraged if you find kicking with a full stroke more difficult. When you move your arms above the water, they become heavier, which forces your legs to kick harder. However, with more training, your legs will become stronger, faster, and more endurant. 

Exercising Flutter Kicks on Land

Learning the correct technique and practicing flutter kicks in the water is enough to master the technique. But if you want to take your swimming to the next level, try this land-based exercise: 

Lie on your back with your hands by your sides. Lift your legs off the floor and perform slow, controlled, and straight leg movements, alternating them without touching the floor. Keep going until your legs tell you to stop. 

Do this every day, and you will notice the difference in the pool. Your legs will feel lighter, faster, and more energetic. 

Please be aware that the information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only. While I strive to offer accurate and reliable content, I recommend consulting a certified swim instructor or healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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