Side kick with breathing
A stable side position lets you practise head rotation and breathing without managing the full freestyle stroke cycle.
- Stroke
-
Freestyle
- Goal
-
Breathing
- Level
-
Beginner
- Equipment
-
Kickboard
How to do it
Lie on your side with the lower arm extended forward and the other arm by the body. Use relaxed flutter kicks; to breathe, rotate the head with the body until the mouth clears the surface, then return the eyes toward the bottom. A small kickboard can support the lead arm if needed.
Key cues
- Keep the ear close to the lead arm.
- Rotate the head without lifting it.
- Exhale in the water and take a brief breath to the side.
- Stay long from fingertips to toes.
Common mistakes
- Lifting the forehead to find air.
- Rolling all the way onto the back.
- Letting the lead arm sink or cross inward.
- Holding the breath between breaths.
Practice format
6 × 25 m easy, three on each side, with 20 s rest; then 4 × 25 m freestyle using the same breathing action.