How to Learn Butterfly Swimming

The butterfly stroke is a regal, graceful way to travel through the water and is difficult to master. When butterfly swimming, your body and limbs move in and out with a sweeping motion that looks like the wings of a butterfly in flight. To achieve a smooth and effective stroke, you need to get each movement of your body timed correctly. If you are willing to devote yourself to a lot of practice and perseverance, you can follow these steps to the perfect butterfly.

Instructions

    • 1

      Position your body horizontally in the water or pool with your face below the water. Your hands should be completely extended in front of you.

    • 2

      Bring both of your arms downward toward your thighs by bending your elbows. Keep your fingers together and slightly cupped.

    • 3

      Straighten your arms so they are parallel to your body with your hands pointing behind you and your palms facing up.

    • 4

      Lift your hands up so your hands point up at an angle behind you and swiftly bring them back around your head until they are in the same position as when you started. This is the cycle for your hands the entire time you are swimming the butterfly.

    • 5

      Bend your knees and pull them toward your stomach. You should be doing this as you bring your hands down from in front of you and toward your thighs. Straighten your legs out as you bring your arms behind your head.

    • 6

      Point your feet slightly downward and arch your back as you straighten your arms in front of you. Repeat these steps for you legs so they coordinate with the arm movements.

    • 7

      Jut your chin outward to cause your mouth to come above the water when you need to breathe. You can only do this when your hands are near your thighs.

    • 8

      Breathe and quickly put your face back below the water.