The kick that is used in sidestroke is called the scissor kick. While lying on either side of the body, the kick begins with one leg starting in the front and the other leg starting at the back. You will extend one leg forward and one leg back and squeeze them together. The propulsion of the kick comes from when the legs squeeze together, pushing the water out.
Though the kicking stance should be what is comfortable for the individual, the leg positioning should not change during the kick. If, for example, that the right leg is leading from the front and the left leg is leading from the back, through the whole time kicking, they should stay in that position for consistency.
An excellent way to practice this kick is standing in water that is up to your hip. The legs go into a lunge position and then squeeze the legs together into a standing position. Practice with either leg in front to help determine what is comfortable.
Sport and Wellness offers group, semi-private and private swim lessons. Visit our website for water fitness options. Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter for news, announcements, program information, swim tips, and exercise demos.
Check out the previous tip in this series
Sidestroke Body Position
By Colyn Ma
Colyn is a casual Lifeguard/Swim Instructor here at MacEwan University Sport and Wellness. He is one of the coaches for JLC, and has over 11 years of experience in competitive swimming and coaching.
