Butterfly Stroke Rules

Though widely used in competitive swimming, the butterfly stroke is one of the most difficult swimming techniques to master. A familiarity with other swimming techniques is ideal, as the movements used in the butterfly stroke can also be found in other strokes. However, the butterfly stroke requires stamina and precision of technique which makes it uniquely challenging. The international swimming association FINA has prescribed several rules for the competitive butterfly stroke.

  1. Arm Strokes

    • In a proper butterfly stroke, the arms should rise forward together over the water and be brought back simultaneously. The hands should not drag through the water, and remain in constant motion throughout the stroke. The hands should re-enter the water in front of the shoulders and be brought towards the feet. When the hands reach the thighs, remove them from the water and begin the process again.

    Kicking

    • FINA requires that all up-and-down movements of the leg must also be simultaneous. The feet and legs do not have to be at the same level, but the legs should not alternate as they do in the breaststroke. The legs should be kicked down when the hands enter the water and down again when the hands leave the water. The kick, also known as the dolphin kick, requires the feet remain close together and move in a wave-like motion. Mastering this kicking motion can be the most challenging part of the butterfly stroke, but practicing with flippers can aid in the process.

    Turns

    • When making a turn, FINA requires both hands simultaneously touch the wall either above, at, or below the water's surface. At turns, one or more leg kicks are allowed, as is one arm pull under the water, but these must bring you to the surface. You are not allowed to remain submerged for more than 15 meters. Once the head has surfaced, immersion is not allowed until the next turn or the finish of the race.

    Tips

    • The butterfly stroke contains several components, so mastering them individually will lead to a stronger stroke. Keep your head in the water as much possible, allowing just enough time to breathe. Elevating the head during the stroke will make raising the arms much more difficult. The best way to avoid this is by breathing when your arms reach the thighs by pushing the chin forward so the mouth rises just above the surface of the water. Once you feel comfortable, butterfly stroke techniques can be modified for intermediate and advanced swimmers.