Flutter kick

The flutter kick is a kicking movement used in both swimming and calisthenics.

The flutter kick is a kicking movement used in both swimming and calisthenics. ==Swimming== In swimming, the flutter kick refers to an alternating up and down movement of the legs. It is seen in front crawl and backstroke. The downbeat refers to the portion of each individual kick where the leg moves downwards, and the upbeat refers to the repositioning of the leg upwards. In front crawl, the flutter kick is sometimes referred to as the front crawl kick, and in backstroke it is sometimes called the backstroke kick. === Phases=== ]] In front crawl, the downbeat of each kick is initiated by the simultaneous action of bending the knee and flexing the hip to push down on the water with the thigh. The knee then extends forcefully, pushing the lower leg against the water until the leg is straight. The ankle then extends, pushing the foot into the water until it is inline with the rest of the leg. When the knee extends for the downbeat, it also has the effect of lifting the thigh and initiating the upbeat. Once the leg is straight, flexion at the hip lifts it up to be horizontal with the surface of the water, where it is in position to initiate another downbeat. ]] In backstroke the movement is similar, but as the swimmer is on their back, their legs face upward. This means the downbeat of the front crawl kick corresponds to the upbeat of the backstroke kick, and that the upbeat of the front crawl kick corresponds to the downbeat of the backstroke kick. ==Calisthenics== The calisthenics version of the flutter kick is often used as an intensive training tool in the military. They help to develop the hip flexors, abdominal muscles and leg muscles. Flutter kicks are a four-count exercise. Starting position is lying flat on the back with the feet and head approximately 6 inches (15 cm) off the ground. Hands are under the buttocks to support the lower back. Count one: raise the left leg to a 45-degree angle, keeping the right leg stationary. Count two: raise the right leg off the ground to a 45-degree angle while, at the same time, moving the left leg to the starting position. Counts three and four are repetitions of the same movements. Legs must be locked, with toes pointing away from the body. ==References==

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1339467177 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.