flutter kick

American  

noun

1. a swimming kick in which the legs make rapid alternate up-and-down movements while the knees remain rigid, as in the crawl.

---

flutter kick British  

noun

1. a type of kick used in certain swimming strokes, such as the crawl, in which the legs are held straight and alternately moved up and down rapidly in the water

---

Etymology

Origin of flutter kick

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

As she started a grueling set of flutter kicks, Campbell stopped and glared at her trainer.

From New York Times

While this kick, known also as a flutter kick, is now recognized to have little propulsive value, it is important for balancing the body.

From The New Yorker

He revolutionized swimming, introducing the flutter kick he developed in his native Hawaii.

From New York Times

The cities adjacent to Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish and other places with lots of beachfront make it easy to jump in and work on your flutter kick with lifeguards keeping watch.

From Seattle Times

As a resident, this precious season makes for smooth sailing; as a restaurant owner, one needs a fancy flutter kick to keep afloat.

From New York Times