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- Help! Not Moving When Kicking
Hey, Coach Jeff here —
This is one of the most common frustrations I hear from new swimmers:
“I’m flutter kicking — but I’m not going anywhere.”
“It’s like my legs are just flailing and I’m stuck.”
Sound familiar?
Maybe you’re trying it with a kickboard.
Maybe you’re floating on your back.
Either way… you’re exhausted, and still in the same spot.
Let’s talk about why that happens — and more importantly, what to do instead.
Watch the full breakdown in this video:
Why You’re Kicking But Not Moving – And What to Do About It
The Lesson:
Here’s the truth:
For most new swimmers — especially those with fear — kicking is overrated.
Not because it’s bad.
But because it’s not efficient. And worse — it burns through oxygen fast.
Your leg muscles are some of the biggest in your body.
They eat up energy, spike your heart rate, and increase panic if you’re not calm and balanced yet.
That’s why in our program, we often say:
Don’t kick. Yet.
Let us build stability and confidence first — without exhausting your legs.
Once you’re ready to reintroduce kicking, there are 3 key things to focus on:
Top Kicking Fixes for When You’re Ready:
1. Point your toes — don’t flex.
A flexed foot = instant drag.
A pointed toe creates a natural propulsion surface.
2. Kick deeper, not faster.
Most beginner kicks are too shallow and too frantic.
Instead of buzzing your feet, try slower, deeper kicks.
More water = more movement.
3. Back kicks? Relax the legs.
If you're kicking on your back, don’t overthink “hips vs. knees.”
Just point your toes, stay relaxed, and let the legs move naturally.
If you try all that and still aren’t going anywhere?
Here’s your permission to ditch the kick entirely.
Especially on your back, swap kicks for gentle arm push-downs instead.
It’s easier, calmer, and gets you moving with way less effort.
We don’t believe in powering through swimming.
We believe in building effortless control.
We have to stop fighting the water.
And let it carry you.
If kicking is making us tired, making us sink, we aren’t going anywhere, or its just plain frustrating… swap it out and use our arms instead!
And if your swim coach doesn’t agree… tell them Coach Jeff said so 🙂
BIG Love,
Coaches Jeff & Meredith
Co-Founders, Caribe Swim