How big should your freestyle kick actually be? 🏊‍♂️

Most swimmers either kick way too wide or keep their legs so stiff they generate zero propulsion. Finding the right balance in your kick is the secret to staying high in the water without burning out.

Here is how to dial in the ideal freestyle kick:

Stay Fluid, Not Stiff: Swimming is all about fluidity. Stiffening up your ankles, knees, or hips causes you to fight the water instead of moving through it smoothly.

Avoid Over-Kicking: Spreading your feet more than a foot apart creates a massive wall of drag that slows down your entire body.

Don’t Kick Too Small: On the flip side, if your legs are barely moving, you won’t generate any lift or propulsion.

The Sweet Spot: Aim for about 12 inches (1 foot) of total kick amplitude between your heel and your toe. Keeping your kick compact and relaxed keeps you moving forward effortlessly.

Want to fix your kick and build continuous momentum in the pool?

Watch Coach Fares and Leo break it down in the full podcast episode on our YouTube Channel: MySwimPro! 📺👇

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