Kickboards are a versatile training tool used to improve leg strength, refine kicking technique, and build endurance. But training with a kickboard doesn’t have to be repetitive or boring. Incorporating advanced kickboard games into your swim practice adds a fun, competitive element while still focusing on technique and fitness.
In this post, we’ll explore exciting and effective kickboard games for advanced swimmers that not only improve performance but also keep training sessions engaging and dynamic.
Why Use Kickboard Games in Training?
Improves Technique:
Games encourage swimmers to focus on proper body position and efficient kicks while having fun.
Builds Leg Strength:
Extended use of the kickboard targets leg muscles, enhancing power and endurance.
Enhances Endurance:
Competitive or timed games challenge swimmers to maintain consistent effort over time.
Boosts Team Morale:
Group games promote camaraderie and make practice more enjoyable.
Develops Coordination:
Many games require multitasking, helping swimmers improve their coordination and focus.
Essential Kickboard Techniques to Practice During Games
Flutter Kick:
Small, rapid kicks initiated from the hips, ideal for freestyle and backstroke.
Dolphin Kick:
Wave-like motion using the core and legs, used in butterfly and underwater phases.
Breaststroke Kick:
Whip-like motion with legs pressing outward and snapping back together.
Streamlined Position:
Maintain a flat body in the water, with shoulders aligned and the core engaged.
Advanced Kickboard Games for Swimmers
1. Kickboard Relay Races
Objective: Enhance speed and endurance while fostering teamwork.
How to Play:
Divide swimmers into teams.
Each swimmer completes a lap using a specific kick (e.g., flutter or dolphin) with a kickboard.
Hand off the kickboard to the next teammate until all team members have completed their laps.
Variation: Use different kicks for each round or require a specific breathing pattern (e.g., every 5 seconds).
2. Kickboard Water Polo
Objective: Build leg strength and improve coordination while focusing on kicking mechanics.
How to Play:
Split swimmers into two teams.
Each swimmer holds a kickboard and uses only their legs to propel themselves.
Use a ball (or similar object) to score goals by pushing it toward the opposing team’s side.
Rules: No hands allowed—players can only move the ball with their kickboards or heads.
3. Kickboard Obstacle Course
Objective: Improve agility, kicking precision, and body control.
How to Play:
Set up an obstacle course in the pool using floating markers, cones, or pool noodles.
Swimmers navigate the course while holding a kickboard and maintaining proper kicking technique.
Time each swimmer or group to see who completes the course fastest.
Variation: Add challenges such as swimming through hoops or kicking backward.
4. Sink or Swim
Objective: Build stamina and core stability under increasing pressure.
How to Play:
Swimmers form a circle in the pool, each with a kickboard.
Start a weighted object (e.g., a diving ring) in the center.
Swimmers take turns tossing the object onto someone else’s kickboard.
If the object sinks their board, that swimmer must swim a penalty lap and return to the game.
Rules: Players must keep their kickboards level and cannot touch the object with their hands.
5. Kickboard Tug-of-War
Objective: Strengthen leg muscles and improve propulsion.
How to Play:
Pair swimmers or divide them into small teams.
Two swimmers (or teams) face each other in the pool, each holding onto their own kickboard.
Use only their kicks to push against each other. The swimmer who pushes their opponent backward wins.
Variation: Add resistance by having swimmers wear fins or attach resistance bands.
6. Simon Says – Kickboard Edition
Objective: Focus on listening skills, technique, and fun multitasking.
How to Play:
A coach or leader calls out commands, such as “flutter kick with a streamline” or “dolphin kick in place.”
Swimmers must follow the commands while holding a kickboard.
Anyone who performs the wrong action or moves out of position is out for that round.
Rules: Include technical commands like “streamline with no splashes” to focus on precision.
7. Kickboard Balance Challenge
Objective: Develop balance, core strength, and focus.
How to Play:
Swimmers place one hand or a lightweight object on their kickboard while kicking.
The goal is to maintain balance without the object or hand falling off.
Gradually increase the difficulty by adding more objects or requiring a specific kick.
Variation: Have swimmers stack floating toys on their kickboard as they kick. The winner is the one who keeps the stack intact the longest.
8. Distance Kicking Challenges
Objective: Build endurance and consistency over longer distances.
How to Play:
Set a distance goal (e.g., 500m or 1,000m).
Swimmers kick with a kickboard, focusing on maintaining a steady pace and proper technique.
Time each swimmer to see who completes the distance fastest or with the least strokes.
Variation: Incorporate breathing patterns, such as breathing every 5 seconds or holding breaths for longer intervals.
9. Kickboard Freeze Tag
Objective: Improve kicking speed and agility in a fun, interactive way.
How to Play:
Designate one swimmer as “it.”
All swimmers must hold a kickboard and use their kicks to move around the pool.
If “it” tags another swimmer, they must freeze in place until another swimmer unfreezes them by tagging them.
Rules: Swimmers can only move using their legs while holding the kickboard.
Sample Kickboard Game Training Plan
Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
200m freestyle (easy pace)
100m kick with a kickboard (alternate between flutter and dolphin kicks)
4x25m streamline dolphin kicks
Main Set (30 Minutes)
3x50m kickboard relay races (rest 30 seconds between rounds)
4x25m kickboard obstacle course (time each swimmer)
4x25m kickboard balance challenge
Cool-Down (10 Minutes)
100m easy kick with a kickboard
100m choice stroke (relaxed pace)
Tips for Success
Focus on Technique:
Proper kicking technique should remain the priority during games.
Engage Your Core:
Use your core to stabilize your body and maintain a streamlined position.
Encourage Teamwork:
Many of these games are ideal for groups, promoting camaraderie and motivation.
Add Variations:
Introduce new rules or challenges to keep games fresh and engaging.
Incorporate Rest:
Allow short recovery periods between games to avoid fatigue and ensure proper technique.
Conclusion
Advanced kickboard games provide an excellent way to combine fun and skill-building in your swim training. By adding these dynamic challenges to your routine, you can improve technique, build endurance, and foster a love for the sport.
Incorporate these games into your practices to break the monotony, challenge your abilities, and take your swimming to the next level. Dive in, kick hard, and enjoy the process!
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