Backstroke: weak kick

Kick is slow, small or stops, so the hips sink.

Activities that help

• Backstroke Six-Kick Switch – Kick on the side with one arm up, then pull through to switch sides – links rotation, kick and arm action.
• Keep the Engine Running – A partner watches the swimmer's feet: the legs must keep kicking while the arms work – fixes kicks that stop when arms start.
• Kick Tempo Changes – Swimmers switch between slow, long kicks and fast, small kicks on the back and front – they feel the kick coming from the hip.
• Soldier Kicks – Kicking on the back without equipment, arms by the sides like a soldier – a steady, flat backstroke kick.
• Streamlined Back Kick – Back kick with arms locked in a streamline above the head – a long, high body position and a steady kick from the hip.