Swimming Butterfly Stroke Guide

Of all the possible swimming strokes, the butterfly is probably the most difficult to master, so use this swimming butterfly stroke guide to help get you started. The butterfly stroke combines a powerful kicking motion, called a dolphin kick, with an overhead arm motion to create your propulsion in the water. Like all swimming strokes, before you learn the butterfly stroke you will need to feel comfortable in the water and be able keep yourself afloat. Since the butterfly stroke is one of the most advanced strokes, it is advisable that you learn some of the easier strokes first. In particular, the kicking motion of the breaststroke is very similar to the kick in the butterfly stroke.

1. Get in the water with fins and a kickboard. When you are just starting out with the butterfly stroke, these items will help you get the motion down. As you progress in your training, you won't need them anymore.
2. Learn the kicking motion of the butterfly stroke. Press and hold your legs together during the entire stroke. Drive your hips and thighs down into the water. Then move your lower leg down as well. Finally, bring your hips back up and start the motion again. Repeat these three steps over and over until you can easily propel yourself.
3. Practice kicking without the fins. Keep using your kickboard for this process. Continue until you can propel yourself easily through the water.
4. Remove the kickboard and learn the arm movements. Make one large kick to propel yourself out of the water. Keep your chin resting just above your chest and breath in. Start with your arms by your sides and bring them up above your head. Reach forward and let your arms enter the water. Push down on your arms as you bring them beneath you and push them back, propelling yourself forward.