The sidestroke is one of the oldest and most practical swimming styles still taught today, especially in lifesaving, survival swimming, and military training. Unlike competitive strokes such as freestyle or butterfly, the sidestroke is designed for efficiency, visibility, and control in the water. One of the most important elements that makes this stroke unique is the kick it uses. Many beginners and even experienced swimmers often ask what kick the sidestroke uses and why it is so different from the kicks used in other swimming styles. Understanding this kick is essential for mastering the sidestroke and using it effectively in real-life situations.
The Kick Used in the Sidestroke
The sidestroke uses a kick known as the scissor kick. This kick is the defining feature of the sidestroke and plays a major role in both propulsion and balance. The scissor kick gets its name from the way the legs move, opening and closing like a pair of scissors while the swimmer lies on their side.
Unlike flutter kicks that are fast and continuous, or frog kicks used in breaststroke, the scissor kick is slower, more deliberate, and very powerful when performed correctly. It provides strong forward movement with relatively low energy use, making it ideal for long-distance swimming and rescue situations.
What Is the Scissor Kick?
The scissor kick is a leg movement where one leg moves forward while the other moves backward, then both legs snap together in a powerful closing motion. This action pushes water backward and propels the swimmer forward. The body remains on its side during the kick, which is what gives the sidestroke its distinctive look.
The kick works in cycles. First, the legs separate into a wide open position. Then they come together quickly in a strong snapping motion. After that, the legs relax briefly in a glide phase before starting the next kick. This glide is important because it allows the swimmer to move efficiently without constantly kicking.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Sidestroke Kick
To truly understand what kick the sidestroke uses, it helps to break the scissor kick into clear steps. Each phase plays a role in producing smooth and powerful motion.
- Start with the body floating on its side in a straight position.
- The top leg moves forward while the bottom leg moves backward.
- The knees bend slightly to prepare for the power phase.
- The legs snap together forcefully, pushing water backward.
- The legs straighten and pause briefly in a glide position.
This pattern repeats steadily, creating a rhythmic and efficient swimming motion that pairs perfectly with the arm movements of the sidestroke.
Why the Scissor Kick Is Used in Sidestroke
The scissor kick is not used by accident. It matches the body position and goals of the sidestroke better than any other kick. Since the swimmer is on their side, a vertical flutter kick would be less effective and could destabilize the body.
The wide opening of the scissor kick allows the swimmer to generate strong propulsion with minimal effort. This is especially important in situations where endurance matters more than speed, such as open water swimming or lifesaving rescues.
Balance and Stability
One of the main advantages of the scissor kick is the balance it provides. Because the legs move in opposite directions and then come together, the swimmer maintains excellent stability in the sideways position. This makes it easier to keep the head above water and the body properly aligned.
Power with Efficiency
The scissor kick generates a strong push with each snap of the legs. Instead of constant rapid movement, the swimmer relies on powerful bursts followed by gliding. This combination reduces fatigue while still maintaining forward momentum.
Comparison with Other Swimming Kicks
To better understand what kick the sidestroke uses, it is helpful to compare the scissor kick to other common swimming kicks.
Sidestroke vs Flutter Kick
The flutter kick is used in freestyle and backstroke. It involves fast, alternating up-and-down leg movements. While it is great for speed, it requires continuous effort and burns more energy than the scissor kick. The scissor kick, by contrast, focuses on powerful bursts and rest phases.
Sidestroke vs Frog Kick
The frog kick is used in breaststroke and involves both legs moving together in a wide circular motion. While it also uses a glide, it is performed face-down and not in a sideways position. The scissor kick is more asymmetrical and is designed to work with the side body alignment of the sidestroke.
Sidestroke vs Dolphin Kick
The dolphin kick is used in butterfly and underwater swimming. It involves both legs moving together in a wave-like motion. This kick is powerful but very demanding physically. The scissor kick is much more accessible for swimmers of all fitness levels.
The Role of the Scissor Kick in Lifesaving
The sidestroke is widely used in lifesaving because it allows the swimmer to keep one arm free to assist a victim. The scissor kick supports this function perfectly. It provides enough power to move both the rescuer and the person being rescued without exhausting the swimmer too quickly.
Because the swimmer’s face remains above water, they can maintain visual contact with the victim and the surrounding environment. This is one of the main reasons the sidestroke and its scissor kick are still taught in military and rescue training programs around the world.
Breathing and the Sidestroke Kick
One major advantage of the sidestroke is how easy it is to breathe while performing it. Since the swimmer’s head stays above water most of the time, the scissor kick can be performed without worrying about timing breaths with kicks.
This makes the sidestroke much less stressful for beginners and for swimmers who are using the stroke for survival rather than for competition. The scissor kick supports steady breathing because it maintains a consistent body position with minimal splashing.
Common Mistakes When Performing the Scissor Kick
Even though the scissor kick looks simple, many swimmers make mistakes that reduce its effectiveness. These errors can slow the swimmer down or cause unnecessary fatigue.
- Not opening the legs wide enough before snapping them together.
- Kicking too fast without allowing for a glide phase.
- Bending the knees too much, which reduces propulsion.
- Letting the legs drift out of alignment with the body.
Correcting these mistakes can dramatically improve both speed and efficiency when performing the sidestroke.
How the Arms and Kick Work Together
The scissor kick works in coordination with the arm movements of the sidestroke. As the legs open, the lead arm extends forward and the trailing arm prepares for a pull. As the legs snap together, the arms perform their strong sweeping motion through the water.
This timing creates a smooth and powerful swimming rhythm. When the arms and the scissor kick are properly synchronized, the swimmer experiences natural acceleration followed by a relaxing glide.
Energy Conservation and Long-Distance Swimming
One of the main reasons the sidestroke is taught as a survival stroke is because of how energy-efficient the scissor kick is. The powerful snap followed by a glide allows muscles to recover briefly between kicks. This greatly reduces overall fatigue during long swims.
For swimmers in open water, rivers, or emergency situations, conserving energy can make the difference between safety and exhaustion. The scissor kick is designed to support endurance rather than sprint speed.
Is the Scissor Kick Used Only in Sidestroke?
While the scissor kick is most strongly associated with the sidestroke, variations of it are sometimes used in underwater swimming, lifesaving techniques, and even certain water polo movements. However, it is most effective when combined with the sideways body position of the sidestroke.
In competitive swimming, the scissor kick is rarely used because it is slower than the flutter and dolphin kicks. Its value lies in control, balance, and efficiency rather than speed.
Learning the Sidestroke Kick as a Beginner
For beginners, learning the scissor kick can feel awkward at first because the legs move in opposite directions instead of together. However, with practice, the movement becomes natural and rhythmic.
Many swimming instructors teach the scissor kick on land before moving to the water. Practicing the opening and snapping motion while lying on your side helps build muscle memory and coordination before adding arm movements.
Strength and Flexibility in the Scissor Kick
The scissor kick relies heavily on hip flexibility and inner thigh strength. Swimmers with tight hips may initially struggle to open their legs wide enough for an effective kick. Stretching and targeted strength exercises can greatly improve kick performance.
Over time, the muscles involved become stronger and more efficient, allowing the swimmer to generate more power with less effort.
Why the Sidestroke Kick Is Still Relevant Today
Even in the modern world of competitive swimming and advanced water sports, the sidestroke and its scissor kick remain highly relevant. It is still used in lifeguard training, military swimming programs, and survival courses.
Its ability to provide steady movement, clear visibility, and hands-free control makes it unmatched in certain real-life water situations. The scissor kick is a perfect match for these practical demands.
Cultural and Historical Importance of the Scissor Kick
The sidestroke is believed to be one of the earliest formal swimming techniques taught in Western cultures. For many years, it was the primary competitive swimming style before faster strokes were developed. The scissor kick was central to its effectiveness and reputation.
Even though it is no longer seen in Olympic competition, it remains a foundational skill in swimming education around the world.
Final Understanding of What Kick the Sidestroke Uses
The sidestroke uses the scissor kick, a powerful and efficient leg movement that opens wide and snaps shut to propel the swimmer forward. This kick provides excellent balance, strong propulsion, and energy conservation, making it ideal for survival swimming, lifesaving, and long-distance movement in water.
By understanding the mechanics, purpose, and benefits of the scissor kick, swimmers gain a deeper appreciation of why the sidestroke remains one of the most practical and enduring swimming techniques ever developed. It may not be the fastest kick in the pool, but it is one of the smartest and most reliable when efficiency and control truly matter.