How to Swim Freestyle.

Step 7 Kicking sans screaming.

If you can get down the coordination of breathing during your stroke than kicking will be easy as pie.

In order to kick properly, keep your legs straight and your toes pointed, then kick. Don't stop. That's pretty much it.

Try to make a bit of a splash behind you, we always told kids the bigger the better, but that's just because they liked big splashes.

Grab your kick board and make a couple of laps using just your legs, until you are comfortable with what you are doing.

Pro Tip! Your legs require 2x as much energy as your arms, but your arms can generate 2x as much propulsion. That's why distance swimmers basically only kick enough to keep their feet floating.

Comments

[LearningAgain]

When I hold the kick board and just kick I don't propel myself at all. I've tried kicking harder and less hard -- either way I don't seem to go anywhere! what am I doing wrong?

[topazeyes]

When I learned how to swim when I was 7 I started by trusting myself like a torpedo along the edged of the pool as if I'm flying like super man. It's easier to learn under water (shallow water that is). Also I've never been able to move with my knees locked.

[canida]

Do try using fins. They give you some feedback on technique.

[Notbob]

when I'm at the local pool i use fins exclusively. no arm at all

[Gbutton]

Remember to keep your knees locked, making your legs perfectly straight. Try starting out with small slow kicks, and focus on propelling yourself forward, even if it only a foot or two. Once you have that down you can make it bigger and bigger until you can make it. (I honestly don't use my legs unless I'm really trying to book it, your upper body can create a a bunch of pull.)

[canida]

The general rule of thumb: your legs require 2x as much energy as your arms, but your arms can generate 2x as much propulsion. That's why distance swimmers basically only kick enough to keep their feet floating.