Why is My Flutter Kick Causing Backward Movement? - Swimming Technique Analysis

Question
a friend has an ordinary flutter kick but she is propelled backward, not forward, when using it - no hands involved.  what causes this.  an aside - she cannot ride a bicycle.  i have a feeling it has something to do with physics.  help.  thank you

Answer
Constance--
By what you are describing, your friend is bending her knees too much, like pedalling a bike(even though she can't ride one), and this is causing the backward movement.  She needs to work on straightening her legs out a bit.  Hope this helps,
George