The whip kick is the correct technique when performing the breaststroke. Practicing in a vertical position is a good method of learning the kick. You may wear a life jacket, place a pool noodle under your armpits, or use anything that provides comfortable support while learning the movements.
Position the knees about shoulder-width apart with your legs extended. Slowly bring the heels to the hips while keeping the knees in the same position. Swing feet out to the side, so they are wider than the knees. Flex your feet so that they form a ‘V’ or so that the toes are pointing down. With force, sweep your feet down, pushing the water with the inside of your feet towards the bottom of the pool. Then repeat once the feet touch together.
When you can generate propulsion with the kick vertically, try the kick on your back or front while holding a flutter board, pool noodle, or anything for support.
Check out the previous tip in this series Breaststroke Body Position
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By Colyn Ma
Colyn is one of the Aquatic Programmers at MacEwan University Sport and Wellness. He has been with us for over six years and has over 10 years of competitive swimming and coaching experience.
