How to Swim Butterfly Like Michael Phelps

The butterfly stroke is the hardest swim stroke to learn proficiently. It is also the most physically demanding stroke, however with time and practice it is something that can be accomplished.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• bathing suit
• goggles

1. It's all in your head. The butterfly stroke is composed of the motion of your head and your hips. The good thing is that if you move your head, your hips should follow. Picture a hula-hoop hovering just above the water. Starting completely straight and parallel in the water with your head down, lift your head up and out of th water.

2. It's all in your hips. After you lift your head out of the water, breathe, then bring your head back into the water, you need to lift your hips up. Now you have learned the body positioning of the butterfly stroke. Your legs should follow with a strong kick at the beginning and the end of your stroke.

3. Add your Arms. Think of the 1st position as your hands above your head. Think of the 2nd position as your hands by your hips. Usually, your first stroke of butterfly starts with your arms in the 1st position and your head down. Pull both arms through the water at the same time. As your pull, pick your head up to breathe. As you enter position 2, bring your head back into the water. The final part of the stroke is the recovery, where you glide your hands over the water until you return to the first position.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue to picture each stroke as if you were jumping through the hula-hoop
• There are many drills that can be doner to better your timing of the stroke
• DO NOT SWIM UNLESS SUPERVISED BY A LIFE-GUARD OR ADULT
• This is one of the most difficult strokes and is very physically challenging. Do not try this stroke unless you are a proficient swimmer, or are appropriately supervised.