A critical part of the butterfly is the timing. With proper coordination of the kick, the pull, and the breathing elements, this stroke can be done in both a powerful and relaxing way.
Breaking down the stroke into four parts without the breath in mind, the order would go: pull, kick, recover, and kick. Practice this in a streamlined position with the arms shoulder-width apart one at a time, and adding a glide between each part.
Once each individual step has been mastered, the next step is to combine the kick with the pull and the recovery of the stroke, changing it to only two parts. “Kick with the pull, recover with the kick.” Gliding in between each part, practice perfecting the timing while moving both the arms and legs together.
Doing the full stroke will feel similar to doing it in two parts. Master each part separately, and then start cutting the glide shorter until the motion is continuous.
When adding in the breath, you may practice the same way by adding the breath in with the pull phase of the stroke.
Check out Butterfly Pull
Book a registered private lesson or group lesson for you or your child(ren) with our expert instructors.
By Colyn Ma
Colyn is a casual Lifeguard/Swim Instructor here at MacEwan University Sport and Wellness. He is one of the coaches for JLC, and has over 11 years of experience in competitive swimming and coaching.
