What Are the Two Purposes of a Kickboard? Swim Training Explained

By Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

A kickboard has two main purposes in swim training. It lets you isolate your legs so you can build a stronger, more efficient kick, and it floats your upper body so you can focus on breathing and body position. Most swimmers use it for one of those jobs at a time, and knowing which one you need helps you choose the right drill.

Purpose One: Isolating the Kick

When you hold a kickboard out in front of you, your arms are occupied and your hands can’t help propel you. That forces your legs to do the work. Swimmers who struggle with a flutter kick or a dolphin kick often find that their legs sink or their knees bend too much, and a board makes those problems easier to spot and correct.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Micro Kickboard 3 Wheel Scooter: 5 Best Picks for Kids and Adults (2026).

Coaches commonly recommend keeping the kick from the hips with a relatively straight leg and small ankle movement. A kickboard keeps the upper body stable, so you can concentrate on those details rather than on staying afloat.

Purpose Two: Supporting the Upper Body

The second purpose is flotation. A kickboard supports your chest and shoulders, which lets you keep your head in a neutral position and breathe without worrying about sinking. This is useful for beginners who are still building comfort in the water, and for experienced swimmers working on an aerobic set where they want to keep their heart rate steady.

Because the board lifts the upper body, it also helps you feel how your hips and legs sit in the water. If your hips drop, the board will not correct that for you, so the feedback is honest.

How to Use a Kickboard Well

Hold the board at arm’s length with your elbows mostly straight and your shoulders relaxed.
Keep your face in the water, looking down toward the bottom of the pool, and breathe only when you need to.
Kick from the hips with small, quick movements. Stop if your knees break the surface.
Match the kick drill to the purpose. Use it for leg work at a steady pace, or for an easy warm-up if you are still building confidence.
If you have a shoulder, neck, or back condition, check with a doctor or physical therapist before doing repetitive kicking drills.

What We’d Use

For general pool training, a standard foam board with a comfortable hand grip works well for most swimmers. Look for a size that lets you hold it comfortably without bending your wrists sharply. You can find options by searching for View on Amazon.

If you want a board that is easier to hold through longer sets, a model with a contoured or wider grip may suit you better. Search for View on Amazon to compare styles.

FAQ

Can I use a kickboard for arm workouts?

Not directly. A kickboard is designed for leg work and upper-body support, so it is not the right tool for isolating the arms. A pull buoy between your thighs is the usual choice for that.

Is a kickboard only for beginners?

No. Beginners use it for flotation, but experienced swimmers use it for focused kick sets, technique drills, and steady aerobic work.

Should I kick with my face in or out of the water?

Most coaches recommend keeping your face in the water and breathing only when needed, since lifting your head shifts your hips down and makes the kick less efficient.

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About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our swimming gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.

About the author

Colin Foster

Colin Foster writes reviews and buying guides for Swim Brief.