Flutter kick with a float

Setup

1. Shallow end with a qualified teacher on deck; learners spread out along the wall, one per lane or a good arm's span apart.
2. Each learner has a kickboard; keep the distances short (5–10 m) so everyone can stand whenever they need to.

How it runs

1. Holding the wall with straight arms, face in or chin resting on the water: kick for ten seconds, stand and rest, three times.
2. Board held at the far end with both hands, arms straight: kick out about 8 m to the teacher's marker, then stand.
3. Turn onto the back hugging the board or a noodle to the chest: ears in, toes just breaking the surface, kick back to the wall.
4. Three or four of each, resting at the wall between goes.

Coaching points

• Kick from the hips with long, loose legs; the knees bend only a little.
• Toes pointed and ankles floppy, as if flicking off a pair of slippers.
• Small, quick kicks that make the surface bubble rather than big splashes.
• On the back, keep the knees under the water.
• Breathe out with the face in; lift the chin or roll to the side to breathe in.

Common mistakes

• Cycling: big knee bends that push water down instead of back.
• Feet flexed upwards, which pushes the swimmer backwards.
• Board pulled in close to the chest, lifting the head and dropping the legs.