What this swimming skill is
The breaststroke kick is often called a whip kick or frog kick. Both legs bend, the feet turn out, and then the legs sweep round and come together. Right after each kick, your child holds still for a moment and slides forward, which is called the glide.
Your child may already have practised the kick on its own, holding the wall or a float. Here they use it inside the stroke, with the arms. Next comes putting the arms, the breath, the kick and the glide together in the right order.
See it in action
How To Swim: Breaststroke Drill (2/2)
The breaststroke kick on its own, ready to go back into the whole stroke.
From the AquaMobile YouTube channel
Why it matters
Real forward movement.
A good kick is what makes breaststroke travel. Many children light up the first time they feel it push them along.
A built-in rest.
The glide after each kick is a moment of calm, which helps your child swim for longer.
Stronger legs, gently.
The kick works the legs in a smooth way that suits all ages.
Who it is for
Children, teens, adults and seniors all learn this kick. At any age it is often the trickiest part of breaststroke. Turning the feet out is not something we do on land. Your child is ready once they have the breaststroke arm movement and are comfortable sliding forward on their front. If you are learning as an adult, you may arrive with a kick that works a bit differently. Your instructor will reshape it gently.
