How To Swim Butterfly Stroke

Step 1: Body Position

The body position varies through the stroke cycle due to the continuous undulating action. The body should undulate from head to toe, producing a dolphin-type action.

Step 2: Leg Kick

The legs kick simultaneously in an action that is similar to that of front crawl but with a greater and more pronounced knee bend. Knees bend and then straighten on the downbeat to provide propulsion. The legs should accelerate to provide power on the downbeat.

Step 3: Arm Action

The entry of the hands into the water should be finger tips first, leading with the thumb. Fingers should be together with palms flat and facing outwards. The hands sweep in a circular movement similar to breaststroke, but in a downwards path. Hands and arms must clear the water on recovery in accordance with ASA Law.

Step 4: Breathing

Breathing technique during this stroke is a rapid and explosive action. Inhalation takes place as the arms complete their upsweep and begin to recover, as the body begins to rise. Explosive breathing is normally preferred but a combination of trickle and explosive breathing can be used.

Step 5: Timing

The stroke cycle should contain 2 leg kicks to 1 arm cycle where the first kick occurs when the arms are forward and the second kick when the have pulled back.

Step 6: More detailed information

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