What does the Gathercole kick (with board) drill focus on?

• A. Arm coordination in butterfly.
• B. Start technique for diving.
• C. Kick timing in breaststroke.
• D. Leg strength in backstroke.

Answer: (C)

The Gathercole kick with a board is all about the timing of the breaststroke kick. By holding a board in front, the upper body is stabilized so you can isolate and feel the leg action and when it should occur in the stroke cycle. The drill trains the sequence where the knees bend and knees draw outward, the ankles collapse outward, and the feet sweep together in a compact kick, timed with the arm pull and breath. The goal is to initiate and complete the kick at the right moment during the glide to maximize propulsion while preserving a clean, streamlined position. This makes it a focused tool for improving kick timing in breaststroke, rather than developing arm coordination in butterfly, dive start technique, or leg strength for backstroke.