Butterfly is the hardest stroke. The dolphin kick is its foundation. Both legs together, body undulating, kick from the core. Most kids try to flutter kick. The right kick is two legs as one.
What you need: A pool, kickboard.
Setup: Swimmer in the water with a kickboard.
How to run it:
- Hold the kickboard with both hands, arms extended.
- Body undulates: chest down, hips up, then chest up, hips down. Continuous wave.
- Legs stay together. Both feet kick down, both feet kick up.
- Kick across the pool with the wave motion.
- Do 4 lengths with rest.
What to watch: Are the legs separating? They should stay together like a fish tail. Bands or kicking with a pool noodle between the ankles can help.
If they’re struggling: Do the dolphin kick on the back instead. Easier to feel the undulation.
If they’ve got it: Drop the kickboard. Streamline arms overhead. Or add a butterfly arm stroke.