Is a pullkick suitable for beginners?

Yes – as soon as you can swim a length confidently. Beginners in particular benefit from practising pull and kick separately, because the movement is easier to control that way.

What's the difference between a pullkick and a pull buoy?

A pull buoy is designed only for arm training. The pullkick has a flatter, board-like shape and additionally works as a small kickboard for leg training – one tool for both jobs.

Which size should I choose?

The standard size fits most adults. What matters is that the pullkick sits firmly between your thighs without you having to actively squeeze it – otherwise your hips tense up.

How often should I train with the pullkick?

As a rule of thumb: one or two technique sessions per week with 300 to 600 metres of pull and kick work each. The pullkick is a tool for focused segments, not a companion for the entire session.

What are the downsides of a pullkick compared to a pull buoy and kickboard?

A pullkick offers less buoyancy than a full-size kickboard and is bulkier than a dedicated pull buoy, which can briefly get in the way during tight turns. It's also less suited to children and beginners without solid basic technique – a full-size board and simple drills are a better starting point until body position is secure.

6 min read · Updated on July 15, 2026

Pullkick: Pull Buoy and Kickboard in One – How to Use It Right

A yellow pullkick floating on the surface of a swimming pool.

If you train technique regularly, you know the problem: pull buoy, kickboard and paddles pile up at the pool edge – and half of them go unused. The pullkick solves exactly that: a compact foam tool that combines pull buoy and kickboard in a single shape.

In this guide you'll learn what a pullkick is, who it's for, how to use both of its functions with clean technique – and which three drills give you the most value.

Two shots in a swimming pool: on top a swimmer holding the yellow pullkick as a kickboard while kicking, below with the pullkick as a pull buoy between the thighs while doing arm pull. — One tool, two functions: as a kickboard for the legs on top, as a pull buoy for the arms below.

What is a pullkick?

A pullkick is a hybrid training tool made of closed-cell foam (usually EVA), shaped to work both as a pull buoy between your thighs and as a small kickboard in your hands. Its compact size is not a compromise but a feature: it forces a more active, cleaner body position than a large board.

Why a pullkick instead of two tools?

The obvious advantage is practical: one less item in your swim bag. But the real value is in the training itself – you can switch between pull and kick focus within one set, without interruption.

Isolated arm training: as a pull buoy it keeps your legs still so you can focus entirely on your pull pattern and elbow angle.
Effective kick training: as a small board it supports your arms without over-extending the shoulders – your body position stays flatter and more realistic.
Seamless transition sets: pull and kick segments combine directly, without swapping equipment at the wall.

As a pull buoy: focus on pull and body position

Place the pullkick between your thighs – high enough that your hips sit stable at the surface. Your legs stay passive; tension comes from the core. Now give your full attention to the pull: catch out front, high elbow, push through to the hip.

The most common mistake: an arched lower back, because the buoyancy lifts the hips while the head stays too high. Look at the pool floor, keep the neck long – and your body will lie flat like a plank.

As a kickboard: kick training with better body position

Hold the pullkick at its wide edge and extend your arms loosely forward. Because it's smaller than a classic kickboard, your shoulders and chest sit deeper in the water – exactly where they are when you swim without a board. Your kick trains under realistic conditions.

Kick from the hip with relaxed ankles. If your knees bend too much, propulsion shrinks and drag grows.

Three drills for your next session

These three sets work for beginners with solid basic freestyle technique as well as advanced swimmers – simply adjust the distances.

Pull with breathing every 3: 4 × 50 m freestyle pull with the pullkick as a buoy, breathing every third stroke. Trains bilateral breathing and a symmetrical pull.
Kick pyramid: 25–50–75–50–25 m kick with the pullkick as a board, 20 seconds rest between. Builds leg strength without losing technique.
Transition set: 4 × 100 m, each 50 m pull + 50 m kick with no break at the switch. This is where the pullkick's dual function shines.

Buying advice: what matters

Look for closed-cell EVA foam (doesn't absorb water), a smooth, skin-friendly surface and a shape that sits comfortably between the thighs. Adults with stronger legs should choose the standard size; very light swimmers and teenagers do better with more compact models. Good pullkicks typically cost between 15 and 30 euros – brand premiums are rarely worth it.

Limitations: when a specialised tool makes more sense

Versatile as it is, the pullkick is a compromise, not a universal replacement for dedicated equipment. As a pull buoy it offers less buoyancy than a full-size kickboard when your only goal is maximum leg stillness during arm work. As a kickboard it's more compact than a classic board but bulkier than a dedicated pull buoy – which can briefly get in the way during tight flip turns and a fully streamlined body position.

For children and beginners without solid basic technique, a pullkick usually isn't the best starting point: without a stable body position and enough core and shoulder strength, the compact shape becomes a hindrance rather than a help. A full-size kickboard and simple drills without extra equipment are the better entry point – the pullkick earns its place once basic technique is solid.

Frequently asked questions

Is a pullkick suitable for beginners?: Yes – as soon as you can swim a length confidently. Beginners in particular benefit from practising pull and kick separately, because the movement is easier to control that way.
What's the difference between a pullkick and a pull buoy?: A pull buoy is designed only for arm training. The pullkick has a flatter, board-like shape and additionally works as a small kickboard for leg training – one tool for both jobs.
Which size should I choose?: The standard size fits most adults. What matters is that the pullkick sits firmly between your thighs without you having to actively squeeze it – otherwise your hips tense up.
How often should I train with the pullkick?: As a rule of thumb: one or two technique sessions per week with 300 to 600 metres of pull and kick work each. The pullkick is a tool for focused segments, not a companion for the entire session.
What are the downsides of a pullkick compared to a pull buoy and kickboard?: A pullkick offers less buoyancy than a full-size kickboard and is bulkier than a dedicated pull buoy, which can briefly get in the way during tight turns. It's also less suited to children and beginners without solid basic technique – a full-size board and simple drills are a better starting point until body position is secure.

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