Side Kick drill video 1

Swim Drills

Side Kick drill

Balance in the water and understanding what affects the balance is a key starting point for your stroke. Front crawl is primarily swum on your side, so the first drill to perfect is kicking on the side. Watch the video and practice until you are comfortable you can hold yourself in a relaxed side kick on both side

​Key points to note are :-

• Using fins will allow you to move smoothly and to focus on the balance and hand position.
• Kick on your side throughout the drill.
• Look forward and ensure the fingers tips on the front hand are below the wrist, this is the ideal hand entry position.
• The front hand should be on the surface of the water, with the alternate hand laying along the centre line of the body.
• Try and keep the head still and breath to the side, without raising your head., relying on the bow wave produced by your head to give you a pocket to breath from.
• Relax and breath as little as possible so that you get the feel of being on your side .
• Change arm each length, you will find one side will be easier than the other, practice on both sides until you feel comfortable you can hold yourself on your side, throughout the length.

Other points to note in the video :-

• Always push off from the side of the pool in a streamlined position, with both arms out stretched, making the frontal area as small as is possible. Do it every time and it will become natural.
• Don't make the kick too wide, this drill is about being relaxed and kicking on your side whilst holding your balance on the side.