Learn Flutter Kick
At least 10 meters of flutter kick with a stretched body and arms extended forward, hands resting on top of each other. Breathing is done either forward or to the side. The kick originates from the hips and thighs. This exercise can be performed in a shallow pool or deep water; however, in deep water, the child's safety must always be ensured. This exercise primarily trains the core elements of propulsion and breathing.
Preparation Exercises
With pool noodle
Use a pool noodle to make the exercise easier (see image). This allows the learner to focus on the kick and the water feel in their legs. However, note that the pool noodle enables the child to straighten up and lower their hips without sinking. Ensure the child keeps their gaze upward, tilts their chin back, and pushes their hips up. Limit the use of the pool noodle when practicing on the back.
Bubble bath
This exercise should already be familiar from the previous course. If you don’t recall, please click on the image of this exercise, where the "bubble bath" is linked. In summary: The child sits on the steps of the children's pool with their legs about halfway submerged. In the first step, the legs and feet are extended. Then the child slowly moves their extended legs up and down, gradually increasing the strength of the kick while keeping the legs fully extended.
Kick with board
A useful tool is the kickboard. Place the forearms and hands flat on it, but avoid gripping the front edge to prevent tension and ensure the body remains extended. In addition to the kickboard, other tools like pull buoys can be used. Start with a highly buoyant object and gradually transition to smaller ones until the child can eventually swim without support.
Häufige Fehler
Kicking from the knees
Place a ping pong ball in the water in front of the child. The goal is to move the ball to the other side of the pool by blowing on it. The child will quickly realize that they need to keep their head close to the ball and near the water's surface to move it efficiently. After a few rounds, you can encourage the child to blow into the water, creating bubbles.
The hammer
The "hammer" is a common swimming mistake where water is pushed backward exclusively from the knees. While some children may initially make quick progress using this technique, it becomes much harder to correct this bad habit later and teach proper freestyle technique. Despite enabling movement, the hammer technique is ineffective in the long term, especially for freestyle swimming. Exercises like the "bubble bath" are used to prevent the hammer and encourage proper kicking form.
Riding a bike
The most common mistake in kicking is initiating the movement from the knees instead of the thighs and hips, with the legs remaining bent. This error significantly impacts exercises that build on this core skill. A proper kick is essential for both backstroke and freestyle swimming. An incorrect kick not only reduces propulsion but also disrupts the overall body position in the water.
