Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
The eggbeater kick is the fundamental water polo technique that allows players to stay elevated and stable in deep water while keeping both hands free for the ball. Unlike treading water with a symmetrical kick, the eggbeater uses an alternating circular motion of each leg (resembling an eggbeater whisk), generating continuous lift. Mastered properly, it lets players explode vertically to block shots, rise above defenders to shoot, and hold position against physical pressure. It is one of the most physically demanding sustained movements in any sport, requiring exceptional hip mobility and leg endurance.
- Alternating circular leg motion
- Keeps players elevated, hands free
- Enables explosive vertical rise
- Extremely demanding on hips and legs
In practice
Mastering the eggbeater kick is often the single biggest skill barrier for new water polo players — it lets a player tread water while keeping both hands free to pass, shoot or block, which is essential since the sport (unlike swimming) requires constant upper-body use while staying afloat.
FAQ
Why can't water polo players just tread water normally?
Normal treading water uses the arms for stability, but water polo requires both hands free at all times for passing, shooting and defending — the eggbeater kick is the technique that allows this.
Is eggbeater kick hard to learn?
It takes significant practice to build the leg strength and coordination needed to maintain height and stability using only the legs, especially under physical pressure from opponents.