Tired of sinking legs, sloppy freestyle, or awkward breathing? A simple swim tool like the Speedo Team Pull Kickboard can fix it.
In this article, I’ll show you how to use a kickboard, share my favorite drills, and give solid kickboard brand recommendations so you know exactly what to buy and how to use it to level up your swimming.
Hey, I’m Dan—All-American swimmer and owner of a New York City–based swim school. Come visit us at DenSwim if you’re serious about improving your swim skills. We’ve got experienced instructors to help you hit any goal in the water.
Now, let’s break down why the Speedo Team Pull Kickboard should be a staple in your swim bag.
What Is a Kickboard?
A swim kickboard is a simple, powerful tool—usually foam, rectangular, or arrow-shaped—that swimmers hold to focus on their legs. But don’t let the basic design fool you. Whether you’re learning to swim or training for a triathlon, a kickboard like the Speedo Team Pull Kickboard helps isolate your legs, build strength, and improve body position.
And it’s not just about kicking—it’s great for breathing drills, balance, and body alignment.
Who Should Use a Kickboard?
Short answer: everyone. From beginners to competitive swimmers, the Speedo Team Pull Kickboard is a classic swim training tool that just works. If you’re aiming to improve technique, build strength, or enhance body control, it’s absolutely worth investing in.
Let me know in the comments: do you use a kickboard every time you swim?
Types of Kickboards
There are a few main types of swim kickboards:
Tombstone Kickboard
The classic shape—rounded top, rectangular bottom. Great for beginners. Easy grip, great buoyancy.
Arrowhead Kickboard
Sleeker with pointed front and cutouts for hand grips. Reduces shoulder strain and glides better in water.
Alignment Kickboard
Flatter, lower in the water. Helps maintain streamline position and core engagement. Often paired with a snorkel.
Pull Kickboard
The Speedo Team Pull Kickboard falls in this category. It’s a two-in-one tool that acts as both a kickboard and pull buoy—great for saving space and switching between drills without changing gear.
Why You Need the Speedo Team Pull Kickboard
Here are just a few reasons to keep the Speedo Team Pull Kickboard in your swim bag:
- Isolates your legs to focus 100% on kicking technique
- Builds lower body strength and endurance
- Improves alignment and keeps your body streamlined
- Boosts confidence for beginners by helping you float higher in the water
It’s an essential for mastering freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke kicks—and helps perfect drills for breathing, rotation, and balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make these errors when using your kickboard:
- Clenching the board too tightly or pressing down on it. The kickboard should support your hands, not carry your upper body.
- Letting the board submerge—means you’re pushing too hard. Keep it light and level on the surface.
- Using it too much—sometimes it’s better to kick without it to build core control and balance.
Kickboard Drills I Recommend
Basic Kick Set
Face in or out of the water. Face out is tougher—your legs have to work harder. Face in, buoyancy helps you balance more easily.
One-Arm Balance Kick
Hold the Speedo Team Pull Kickboard with one hand, keep the other arm by your side. Nose and mouth above water. Kick relaxed and switch arms. Stay submerged to focus on balance and streamline.
Side Kick Drill
Rotate hips as you kick. Pull with palm and forearm. Breathe while gliding on your side for 3 seconds. Switch sides. Builds breathing rhythm, rotation, and stroke efficiency.
Freestyle Breathing Drill
Hold the board with one hand. Pull and rotate to breathe. Focus on keeping ear and cheek in the water as you exhale and rotate.
Final Thoughts
The Speedo Team Pull Kickboard is more than just foam—it’s a full swim training upgrade. Add it to your swim bag, use it with intention, and you’ll start noticing smoother technique, stronger legs, and better control in the water.
That’s it for today! Watch the playlist with other crucial gear you should use in the pool, and come swim with us at DenSwim.