Breaststroke Kick for Kids – 4 Common Mistakes (Fixes & Drills)

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Breaststroke Kick for Kids: 4 Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them Fast)

breaststroke kick for kids drill at Condo swim class

The breaststroke kick for kids can feel tricky at first—but with the right cues and playful drills, children learn it quickly and love the “frog” feeling of gliding. Below are the top 4 breaststroke kick mistakes we see in lessons, plus simple fixes and drills you can use at our warm indoor heated pool or at your condo swim class.

Table of Contents

Why the Breaststroke Kick Matters for Young Swimmers

For many children, breaststroke is a favourite—it feels playful (“like a frog!”) and offers clear moments to kick and glide. Getting the kick right teaches powerful lower-body mechanics, timing, and balance that carry over into other strokes. It’s also the stroke most kids swim comfortably for longer distances early on—if the kick is efficient.

Quick Form Checklist (Kid-Friendly)

  • Start pencil: long body, straight legs, pointed toes
  • Bend knees: heels toward bum (knees stay just inside hips)
  • Turn feet out: “duck feet” (soles face slightly outward)
  • Kick & squeeze: push water back in a circle, snap legs together
  • Glide: freeze in long “pencil” before the next kick

Mistake 1: Mixing in Flutter Kicks

What it looks like: A few freestyle-style ankle flicks creep in between each breaststroke kick.

Why it matters: Extra flicks break rhythm, add drag, and reduce the power of the real kick.

Fix it with cues: “Kick… two… three… glide.” Count out loud so kids feel the stillness between kicks.

Drills that work:

  • Wall Counts: Face the wall, hands on ledge. Perform one full kick, then count “two… three…” before the next. Aim for zero ankle flicks during the count.
  • Noodle Glide Game: Noodle under arms; do one kick → glide to a cone/toy. The toy distance teaches that one good kick should travel far.
  • Freeze Frames: After each kick, coach says “Freeze!” Child must stop legs completely—no flutter—then hold the glide for 2–3 counts.

Mistake 2: Kicking with Straight Legs

What it looks like: Legs swing stiffly backwards with little bend at the knees.

Why it matters: Without a bend-turn-kick-squeeze pattern, there’s no “snap” and minimal propulsion.

Fix it with cues: “Bend → Turn → Kick → Squeeze.” Slow is smooth; smooth becomes fast.

Drills that work:

  • Frog Feet at the Wall: Hold the wall, knees slightly bent under hips. Bring heels to bum, turn feet out, push water back, squeeze legs straight. Repeat slowly 5–8 reps.
  • Pencil–Frog–Pencil: Streamline “pencil,” then make a small “frog” (heels up, toes out), then return to pencil. Do it on back first to see the legs.
  • Knee Window Check: Ask children to keep “a tiny window” between knees (not too wide) when heels rise. Wide knees create drag; zero bend kills power—this cue finds the middle.

Mistake 3: Toes Pointing Straight Back

What it looks like: Feet stay pointed (toes back) during the power phase instead of turning out.

Why it matters: Turn-out creates the surface area that pushes water; pointed toes “slice” without moving water.

Fix it with cues: “Duck feet” or “heels together, toes apart.”

Drills that work:

  • Deck Clamshells: Sit on the edge. Bend knees, keep heels together, turn toes outward, then slowly perform the kick motion in the air. Feel the turnout.
  • Alphabet Ankles (V-V-V): In the water, write a gentle “V” shape with each foot as heels lift. This exaggerates the outward turn before pushing back.
  • Sock Trick (dryland): Wear slippery socks and practise the turn-out on tiles or a yoga mat—kids feel when toes are out vs. straight back.

Mistake 4: Rushing the Kick and Skipping the Glide

What it looks like: Kicks come rapidly with no pause; the swimmer never gets long and streamlined.

Why it matters: Breaststroke efficiency = Kick → Squeeze → Glide. No glide means more strokes, more drag, less distance per kick.

Fix it with cues: “Kick—Freeze—Glide” and “long like a pencil.”

Drills that work:

  • One-Kick Rockets: Push off in streamline; do one powerful kick, then count a glide: “one… two… maybe three.” Reset.
  • Lane Marker Targets: Use rings/cones spaced every ~2–3 m. One kick must reach the next marker before the next kick is allowed.
  • Coach’s Whistle: Kick on the whistle; glide until the next whistle (2–3 sec). Builds rhythm and patience.

Mini Practice Plan (20–30 Minutes)

  1. Warm-up (5 min): Easy kicks on back with a noodle; 3 x “pencil–frog–pencil.”
  2. Mechanics (8 min): Wall Frog Feet → Deck Clamshells → Back kicking with clear “Bend–Turn–Kick–Squeeze.”
  3. Power + Glide (7 min): One-Kick Rockets to lane markers; count glides out loud.
  4. Control (5 min): Freeze Frames (no flutter) with “Kick… two… three… glide.”
  5. Fun Finish (3–5 min): Noodle glide races or “frog to the lily pad” cone game.

At-Home “Dryland” Boosters

  • Foot Turn-Out Practice: Sitting on a mat, heels together, turn toes out (duck feet) 10–15 reps, slow and controlled.
  • Band Squeezes: Light band around ankles; from small “frog,” squeeze legs straight to “pencil.”
  • Picture Cues: Show two photos—pencil and frog. Ask kids to switch shapes on your clap.

Readiness, Safety & Comfort

  • Warm water wins: Younger swimmers focus better in warm pools (~32–34°C). That’s why our indoor heated pool is the primary venue.
  • Short sets, big smiles: Keep reps 20–40 seconds with lots of praise. Form beats distance at this age.
  • Touch supervision: Parents stay within arm’s reach in/near water. Lessons are a layer of safety—supervision stays essential.

Technique & learning pathway:

• Swim England: When strokes/skills are introduced

From our library:

• Best toddler swimming drills (beginner exercises)

• Why toddlers should learn to swim

• Best swimming strokes for toddlers (2–5)

• Baby swimming lessons Singapore

FAQs

What age should kids learn the breaststroke kick?

Once they’re comfortable floating and kicking with rhythm (often 4–6), start playful breaststroke kick elements. Focus on “Bend–Turn–Kick–Squeeze,” not speed.

How do I stop flutter kicks sneaking in?

Use clear counts (“Kick… two… three… glide”) and Freeze Frames. One strong kick should earn a long glide—no flicks in between.

My child can’t turn feet out. Any tips?

Start on land: Deck Clamshells and “duck feet” practice. In water, try Alphabet Ankles (V-shapes) before kicking.

Is the glide really that important?

Yes—distance per kick is the goal in breaststroke. Without glide, kids work harder and move less. Teach “Kick—Freeze—Glide.”

Ready for a Technique Tune-Up?

At Fabulous Swim, we teach the breaststroke kick for kids with gentle, step-by-step drills in a warm, indoor pool—perfect for focus and confidence.

  • ✅ Primary venue: indoor heated pool at 102 Ulu Pandan
  • ✅ Secondary option: condo/home lessons (subject to safety & pool rules)
  • ✅ Infant-trained coaches, small groups, play-based learning

📱 WhatsApp to book a trial • Explore baby swimming lessons Singapore • Read our FAQs

Warm water. Strong kicks. Happy glides.