How to Swim the Butterfly Stroke
Ever wonder how swimmers do the butterfly stroke? They whip their legs together and stroke with both arms simultaneously and symmetrically to dive and glide like a dolphin in the water. Here are a few steps to get you swimming like a pro.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Swimming Goggles
- Swimsuits
- Fins
- Swimming Ear Plugs
- Swimming Trunks
- Swimming Caps
- Swimming Nose Clip
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1
Hold your legs together and extend your arms above your head.
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2
Kick your legs up and down once in a whipping motion generating from the hips and bending at the knees, as if you were a dolphin.
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3
Pull both of your arms simultaneously and symmetrically through the water beneath your body along with the big kick, helping to propel your body forward and out of the water.
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4
Lift your head up and breathe as you quickly pull both arms out of the water and swing them forward. Head and arms reenter the water together in a diving motion.
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5
Glide momentarily, performing a smaller follow-up kick.
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6
Execute another pull-through motion with your arms, with your legs performing a full kick to propel you up and out again.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The butterfly kick is actually two kicks. One kick is a big kick, with knees bending and kicking out while the body leaps and dives forward. Then, during the glide, the whole body whips the legs into a second, smaller kick.
Done properly, the butterfly stroke is a smooth, gliding stroke, but you may find it very difficult and tiring when learning.
Practice the kick without the stroke to get a feel for using your whole body. Extend your arms and undulate your body through the water.
Try practicing the kick with fins on to get the feeling of a powerful and fluid kick.
If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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Comments
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nice!
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what is procedure of butterfly stroke.
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The explanation about the kicks doesn't make sense. It's the kick that's done while the body is submerged that is the more powerful of the two.
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ztorm
Oct 01, 2010
Actually I don't think kickboard is a good idea as it messes with the form of your body when you kick. I am doing Dophin+Breaststroke right now. I practice the rythum outside the pool and I am 100% used to the motion. Guess what? When I try it in the pool, it is a different story with the drag. Biggest problem is, you can't swim if you can't breath. I have no idea what to do when I mess up with the first stroke. I end up practicing the first stroke then swim back, and repeat. I really want to avoid using that whats that called? the thingy with a tuber where you dont need to get your head up to breath? But that's the only solution I can think of when it comes to practicing the rythum. Can someone please help me?
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adia1270
Aug 19, 2010
I've tried to post three times...hope there aren't dupes. "Ouch" is all I can say. I have been swimming since I was six but barely learned what the butterfly was about. I need to get the stroke to take WSI in October this year. I can do it but i look like a rock with limbs when I perform the b.f. I have been told several different things by coaches and onlookers. My best help has been professional vids. This is a personal stroke once you get it, I think. Everyone finds their different comfort levels. Back to dolphin diving.
