How to Use a Swimming Kickboard

A kickboard is a piece of equipment that allows a swimmer to easily keep his head above water while practicing kicks. Kickboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose and can be used in the same way. Once you learn how to properly hold a kickboard, you can focus on perfecting your kicking technique.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

To Practice Breaststroke and Freestyle Kicks

1. Place your kickboard on the side of the pool and get in the water.
2. Grab your kickboard about half way up on both sides.
3. Push off the wall with your feet and bring your body parallel with the bottom of the pool.
4. Keep your arms straight out in front of you and your head elevated. If there is too much distance between your body and the kickboard, it will be difficult to keep your head elevated. Move your hands up towards the top of the kickboard until you are comfortable, but not so far that your body rests on the kickboard.
5. Begin practicing breaststroke or freestyle kicks.

To Practice Backstroke Kicks

6. Place your kickboard on the side of the pool and get in the water.
7. Hold your kickboard about ¼ of the way from the bottom of the kickboard on both sides.
8. Lie on your back with your arms stretched out above your head, holding the kickboard. If you feel uncomfortable, you can move your hands up toward the top of the kickboard until you feel more secure, but do not allow your head to rest on the kickboard.
9. Bring your body parallel with the bottom of the pool.
10. Begin practicing the backstroke kick.

Tips & Warnings

• Never jump or dive in the water while holding a kickboard.
• Since the movement of the butterfly kick requires your head to be in the water, it is not recommended to practice it with a kickboard.