Side kick 5
The side kick 5 drill is an extension of the freestyle side kick that you perform for a full lap. The difference is that you swap arms before reaching the end of the pool. You swap arms every 5 seconds then count to 5 swapping back while continuously kicking.
- Start by grasping the board at the bottom with your right hand, so when you hold out in front of you, your fingers should be on top of the board with your thumb underneath.
- Stretch your arm out so that your right shoulder (deltoid muscle) is against your ear and your left arm by your side.
- Kick in this position for 5 seconds making sure you count using 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi, 4 Mississippi, 5 Mississippi.
- Bring your left arm by your side up to the kick board and grab the bottom of the board. You should find that you are looking at the bottom of the pool.
- Your right hand can let go of the board and pull through the water down to your right leg.
- When pulling through, remember that you need to keep your lead arm or the arm holding the board straight and keep the shoulder of the lead arm on your ear.
- Now you should be in the same position as you started only facing the other side of the pool.
- Again, count to 5 Mississippi then bring your right hand up to the board so you are flat and do the same again only this time with your left arm.
When you get used to this, you should be able to gradually speed it up so that you are doing the rotation every 3 seconds or 3 Mississippi’s. Of course, don’t forget your kicking while you do it.