Swimming with Kickboard: The Essential Tool for Perfecting Your Kick
Swimming with a kickboard is one of the best ways to improve your kicking technique and build leg strength in the water. If you're a beginner learning the basics, a kickboard is a must-have training tool.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about using a kickboard effectively. We'll cover what a swimming kickboard is, who uses it, how it works, the proper way to grip it, and why swimmers rely on it during training. Plus, we’ll share some useful tips to help you get the most out of your kickboard sessions.
What Is a Kickboard?
A kickboard is a floatation device typically made of foam or plastic that swimmers hold onto while kicking their legs in the water. It's designed to help you focus on your legs and improve your kicking technique without worrying about keeping your head above water.
This tool comes in different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same basic purpose which is to support your upper body so you can focus on your kick.
Who Uses the Kickboard?
The kickboard is a great tool for all levels of swimmers. Beginners love it because it provides excellent buoyancy, helping them stay afloat while practicing streamline, stability, and correct body position in the water.
But it's not just for newbies since advanced swimmers also use kickboards to strengthen their lower body, refine their kicking technique, and build endurance. A common drill for experienced swimmers is something like 6 x 50m crawl kicks, which helps improve speed and stamina in the water.
So whether you're just starting or training hard, the kickboard is a must-have for better swimming!
How Does a Kickboard Work?
A kickboard works by supporting your arms and upper body, allowing you to focus entirely on your leg technique. Normally, your arm movements help keep your body afloat and streamlined in the water.
But if you try kicking without a kickboard, your upper body might sink, creating extra drag and slowing you down. The kickboard acts as a substitute for your arm strokes, keeping you balanced so you can concentrate on developing a strong and efficient kick.
How to Grip a Kickboard
The way you hold a kickboard depends on the type of kick you're practicing. For most strokes, hold the kickboard in front of you with outstretched arms while keeping your body in a prone position.
1. Butterfly Kick
Push your hips and legs down alternately to create a butterfly downbeat while keeping your legs close together and ankles relaxed. Fins can help make this exercise easier.
2. Backstroke Kick
Hold the kickboard on your chest, gripping the sides or wrapping your arms around it for comfort. Lie on your back, push off the wall, and kick with straight legs, similar to a crawl kick.
3. Breaststroke Kick
Hold the kickboard in front of you with extended arms while focusing on your legs. The kickboard helps keep your upper body afloat, allowing you to practice proper leg technique without sinking.
4. Freestyle Kick (Crawl)
The buoyancy of the kickboard helps keep your body in a horizontal position. Hold it with outstretched arms and kick continuously.
5. Side Kicking
Hold the kickboard with one hand while the other arm stays along your body. This helps improve side breathing and balance.
6. Arm Drills
Use the kickboard with one hand while focusing on the correct movement of your other arm in freestyle.
Why Do Swimmers Use Kickboards?
Kickboards are a fantastic tool for swimmers of all levels. If you're still learning to swim, a kickboard helps you focus on your leg movements before adding in arm strokes. It allows you to practice one skill at a time until you feel confident with full-body swimming.
With a kickboard, you can:
- Strengthen your legs and core
Your legs work harder to propel you forward without the help of your arms.
- Perfect your kick technique
By isolating your legs, you can fine-tune your kicking motion without distractions.
- Improve breathing and posture
With your arms supported, you can focus on maintaining good body position and steady breathing.
- Extend your training sessions
If your upper body gets tired, using a kickboard allows you to keep swimming and building endurance without stopping.
Tips for Using a Kickboard Properly
Using a kickboard the right way can make a huge difference in your swimming technique. Here are some simple tips to help you get the most out of your training:
1. Hold the Kickboard Near the Top
Kickboards float because they push against the water, helping to keep you up. If you hold the board near the top, your arms get more support, keeping your body straight and balanced in the water.
Holding it too low means only your fingertips get support, making it harder to stay afloat. For backstroke kicks, hug the board to your chest with your arms crossed over it. This helps keep your upper body higher and your position streamlined.
2. Press Down Slightly to Raise Your Hips
When using a kickboard for freestyle kicks, your body can sometimes sag in the middle, making a V-shape in the water. This slows you down and makes kicking harder.
To fix this, apply gentle pressure on the kickboard with your arms. This will help lift your hips and keep your body straight. But don’t push too hard—just enough to maintain a good position without lifting your hips too high.
3. Keep Your Body Straight (But Relaxed!)
A straight body position is key for smooth swimming, but locking your arms out fully can strain your shoulders and neck. Instead, keep a slight bend in your elbows to stay comfortable and avoid unnecessary tension.
Some kickboards even come with cut-out handles to help you hold them at a more natural angle, reducing strain and keeping you relaxed while training.
Start Practicing Your Kicks Today!
Swimming with a kickboard is an excellent way to improve your kicking technique, build strength, and increase endurance. The kickboard helps you focus on your legs and form without worrying about staying afloat. So grab a kickboard next time you hit the pool, and you’ll be amazed at how much it can improve your swimming skills!
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FAQ
How to swim with a kickboard?
Hold the kickboard in front with straight arms, kick your legs to propel forward, and keep your body streamlined.
Why do swimmers use kickboards?
Kickboards help improve leg strength, refine kicking technique, and allow swimmers to focus on breathing and posture.
