How to Do a Good Butterfly Stroke

Today, many different strokes and techniques are used in competitive swimming. The technique most recently added, is the butterfly stroke. First used in competitions in the 1930's; the butterfly stroke is faster than the breaststroke. In the 1956 Olympic Games, American William Yorzyk became the first Olympic medalist in the 200 meter butterfly stroke. Although it is considered one of the more difficult swimming techniques to learn; you can develop a solid butterfly stroke with practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Flippers
  • Nose plugs
  • Goggles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the flippers on both of your feet and get into the water.

    • 2

      Begin kicking with your legs together -- as if you were a mermaid or a dolphin -- face down in the water. Come up for air when you need it.

    • 3

      Extend your arms and do the basic arm stroke, while kicking.

    • 4

      Tuck your chin into your chest, when you are not taking a breath.

    • 5

      Turn your head to either your left or right arm to take a breath, while you are doing the arm stroke.

    • 6

      Continue to do the butterfly stroke, until you reach the other side of the pool, and touch it with both of your hands. Push off to continue swimming.