Butterfly stroke

Butterfly Stroke

The butterfly stroke is one of the four main swimming styles used in competitive swimming. It is known for its unique and demanding technique, which requires a combination of strength, timing, and coordination. The stroke is characterized by the simultaneous movement of both arms in a windmill-like motion and a dolphin kick.

History

The butterfly stroke was developed in the 1930s as a variant of the breaststroke. Swimmers discovered that bringing both arms over the water simultaneously was faster than the traditional breaststroke technique. It was first recognized as a separate stroke in the 1956 Summer Olympics.

Technique

The butterfly stroke is often considered the most difficult swimming style due to its complex technique. It consists of three main components:

Arm Movement

The arm movement in butterfly is a simultaneous, circular motion. Swimmers start with their arms extended in front of them, then pull down and outwards in a sweeping motion, and finally recover by bringing the arms over the water back to the starting position.

Kick

The kick used in butterfly is known as the dolphin kick. It involves a simultaneous, undulating motion of the legs, with the feet together. The kick is initiated from the hips, with the knees slightly bent, and the feet providing the final thrust.

Breathing

Breathing in butterfly is typically done every two strokes. Swimmers lift their head forward to breathe, timing it with the arm recovery phase. Proper timing is crucial to maintain speed and efficiency.

Training and Conditioning

Training for the butterfly stroke requires a focus on building upper body strength, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance. Swimmers often incorporate drills that emphasize technique, such as single-arm butterfly or underwater dolphin kicks.

Competitive Swimming

In competitive swimming, the butterfly stroke is swum in distances of 50, 100, and 200 meters. It is also a component of the individual medley and medley relay events.

Notable Swimmers

Some of the most famous butterfly swimmers include Michael Phelps, who holds multiple world records and Olympic medals in the stroke, and Mary T. Meagher, known for her dominance in the 1980s.

See Also

• Freestyle swimming
• Backstroke
• Breaststroke
• Swimming (sport)

References

• Maglischo, E. W. (2003). Swimming Fastest. Human Kinetics.
• Counsilman, J. E. (1977). The Science of Swimming. Prentice-Hall.

External Links

• FINA Official Website
• USA Swimming