Game version
Stroke spotters: one swims a length while the partner on deck watches for one thing (long arms or a smooth kick) and shares what they liked. Swap, with an adult watching.
Back Float Flutter Kick
Lie on your back with your ears in the water and kick to learn the backstroke body line.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Hold a kickboard on your tummy.
Core: Full stroke. Beat your own count of strokes per length by one fewer, comfortably.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Pool, kickboard
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Stroke Technique
The steps
How it works
- Hold a kickboard on your tummy.
- Lay your head back until your ears are wet and look at the sky.
- Kick with straight legs and loose ankles for half a length.
- Do 6 and try one without the board.
Coaching point
Ears in, belly button up.
Safety: Swim only with a lifeguard or coach watching and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a focus: Less (kick only), Core (full stroke), More (full stroke with a smooth breathing rhythm). Beat your own count of strokes per length by one fewer, comfortably.
Story
You are a dolphin gliding through the water with long, smooth strokes.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own count of strokes per length by one fewer, comfortably. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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