The butterfly stroke is a swimming stroke that is used primarily in the breaststroke event. It is also used as a backstroke stroke. The butterfly stroke gets its name from the arms’ motion, which resembles a butterfly’s wings.
The arms are bent at the elbows and brought together over the head with both fists touching. This motion propels the swimmer forward through the water. The legs kick up and down in a flutter, similar to a frog kick.
This makes it ideal for long-distance swimming events. Additionally, this stroke allows you to cover more ground in less time, making it a practical choice for competitive swimmers.
People often struggle with the butterfly stroke because they don’t understand why it is called the butterfly stroke. Many swimmers mistakenly believe that the butterfly stroke is used for swimming faster. However, the butterfly stroke is a slower stroke used to cover more ground in less time.
Swimmers also commonly struggle with the flutter kick. The flutter kick can be challenging to master, but it is an essential part of the butterfly stroke. Swimmers must keep their legs parallel and kick up and down quickly to get the most out of this stroke.
Table of Contents
What is the butterfly stroke?
The butterfly stroke is a swimming stroke used by competitive swimmers in freestyle and backstroke competitions. It is a very efficient stroke that allows you to swim faster with less effort.
To do the butterfly stroke, you start in the breaststroke position with your arms outstretched in front of you. Bring your legs together, kick them out behind you, and then pull them back in. At the same time, bring your arms back in and tuck them against your body. Push off the wall and swim forward with a flutter kick.
How to do the butterfly stroke
The butterfly stroke is a great swimming stroke to learn because it works a variety of muscle groups and gets your heart rate up. It’s also a relatively easy stroke to know- here are the steps to do it:
- Start in the pool by standing in the water with your feet slightly apart.
- Bend your knees and lunge into the water, keeping your head down.
- Keep your arms tucked close to your body as you do this.
- Once you’re in the water, start swimming by pushing off the wall with your feet and doing a dolphin kick with your legs.
- As you start swimming, extend your arms in front of you and then butterfly your hands together.
- Keep swimming by doing dolphin kicks with your legs and butterfly strokes with your arms until you reach the other side of the pool.
Benefits of the butterfly stroke
The butterfly stroke is one of the most efficient swimming strokes available. It allows you to swim faster while using less energy and works all the major muscle groups in your body. This makes it an excellent choice for fitness swimmers, and it’s also a lot of fun! The butterfly stroke provides a great cardio workout and is a great way to improve your swimming skills.
Tips for improving your butterfly stroke
The butterfly stroke is a fast and efficient way to swim. However, it can be challenging to master. Here are some tips for improving your butterfly stroke:
- Work on your speed. The faster you can swim, the more efficient your butterfly stroke will be.
- Timing. Make sure you time your strokes correctly so you can swim with maximum efficiency.
- Technique. Make sure you use the correct procedure when swimming with the butterfly stroke. This will help you swim faster and more efficiently.
- Body Position. Ensure your body is in the proper position when swimming with the butterfly stroke. This will help you move through the water more efficiently.
- Breathing. Make sure you are breathing correctly when swimming with the butterfly stroke. This will help you stay focused and power through the water.
What are the butterfly stroke drills?
Butterfly stroke drills are an essential part of improving your butterfly stroke. There are a variety of different drills that you can use to improve your speed, power, and technique. Below are some of the best drills for improving your butterfly stroke!
- The Arm Drill – the armed drill is a great way to improve your arm position and timing when swimming the butterfly stroke. To do this drill, swim with a partner and have them time you as you swim the butterfly stroke. Keep your arms parallel to the water’s surface as you swim, and ensure that your hands enter the water simultaneously.
- The Sculling Drill – the sculling drill is another great drill for improving your butterfly stroke. This drill helps to improve your timing and technique. To do this drill, place a kickboard between your legs and scull with your arms as you swim. Keep your arms parallel to the water’s surface and move your hands quickly through the water.
- The Dolphin Kick Drill – the dolphin kick drill is a great way to improve your dolphin kicks when swimming the butterfly stroke. Place a kickboard between your legs and practice doing dolphin kicks to do this drill. Make sure to keep your hips high and extend your legs out as far as possible.
- The One-arm Drill – the one-arm drill is a great way to improve your timing and technique when swimming the butterfly stroke. To do this drill, swim with one arm only. As you swim, make sure to keep your other arm parallel to the surface of the water. Use your arm’s slow and controlled motion to ensure you use the correct technique.
- The Kick Drill – the kick drill is a great way to improve your kicks when swimming the butterfly stroke. Place a kickboard between your legs and practice kicking to do this drill. Make sure to keep your knees bent and extend your legs out as far as possible.
