BODY POSITION

Performed correctly, the butterfly is a thing of beauty, a marvel of human skill, strength, and coordination. However, for many people it is also the most difficult stroke to learn, as well as the most fatiguing. For this reason, even more than with the other strokes it is essential that you remain streamlined as you master each of the techniques that make up the butterfly.

In swimming the fly, your body should lie as flat on the surface of the water as possible. You must remember to hold your hips high, no deeper than a few inches below the surface. Your hips will sink if your kick is too deep, if you raise your head too high to breathe, or if you push the water down during the arm pull. As soon as your hips begin to sink, your legs will follow. As your body moves toward a vertical position, the amount of drag increases, and the butterfly quickly becomes almost impossible to perform.

You should not try deliberately to achieve the undulating body movement so characteristic of the butterfly. This rhythmic motion is a result of the dolphin kick and the recovery and stroking action of the arms. If your stroke and kick are done correctly, the undulation will follow naturally.