10 interesting facts on butterfly stroke
The butterfly stroke is a competitive swimming stroke and is one of the most physically demanding and technically complex strokes in swimming. When performed correctly it is the fastest and the swimmer produces a fluid, wave-like movement through the water.
In this stroke, both arms move simultaneously and symmetrically throughout the stroke.
The legs perform a simultaneous “dolphin kick” where both legs move together in an undulating motion. The kick originates from the hips and is more powerful and fluid than the traditional flutter kick used in other strokes.
Achieving a smooth rhythm between the arms and legs is key to maintaining speed and momentum.
The butterfly stroke is used in competitive swimming events, and it’s often included in distances of 50 meters, 100 meters and 200 meters. It requires a high level of cardiovascular fitness, core strength, and technique to perform effectively.
When should children learn butterfly stroke?
The butterfly stroke is considered one of the most technically challenging swimming strokes due to its demanding nature and coordination requirements. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
Age and Skill Level
The butterfly stroke requires a certain level of strength, flexibility, and coordination. Younger children may not have fully developed these attributes. It’s generally recommended to introduce the butterfly stroke to children who have already mastered basic swimming skills and are comfortable with other strokes like freestyle and backstroke.
Proper Technique
Learning the correct technique from the beginning is crucial for the butterfly stroke. Improper technique can lead to bad habits and even strain or injury. Enlisting the help of a qualified swim instructor or coach who specializes in teaching the butterfly stroke is highly recommended.
Developmental Readiness
Children develop at different rates physically and mentally. A child’s ability to grasp the complexities of the butterfly stroke, as well as their willingness to put in the necessary effort and practice, should be considered.
Progression
The butterfly stroke can be broken down into its component parts, such as the dolphin kick and the arm movement. Children can first learn these elements separately before attempting the full stroke. This progressive approach can help them build the necessary skills and confidence.
Patience and Fun
The learning process should be enjoyable for children. If they show an interest in learning the butterfly stroke and are excited about the challenge, it can be a positive experience. However, if the stroke becomes a source of frustration or stress, it might be better to wait until they’re more ready.
While the butterfly stroke can be challenging, it can also be a rewarding and exciting stroke for children to learn. The decision to introduce the butterfly stroke should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the child’s age, skill level, developmental readiness, and overall enjoyment of the learning process. Professional guidance from a swim instructor or coach is invaluable in ensuring that children learn the stroke safely and effectively.
Interesting facts on butterfly swimming
The butterfly stroke is considered to be one of the most difficult strokes to learn and perform. It requires a great deal of strength, flexibility, and coordination. However, it is also one of the most rewarding strokes, as it can be very fast and efficient.
The term ‘butterfly’
The name “butterfly” for this stroke originates from the graceful and fluttery movement of a butterfly which is mimicked by the swimmer’s arm motion.
Penguin Inspiration
Some swimmers compare the underwater phase of the butterfly stroke to the way penguins move in the water, using their flippers to glide and propel themselves forward.
Energy requirement
The butterfly stroke is so energy-intensive that it’s estimated to burn around 450-750 calories per hour, making it one of the most calorie-burning activities.
Pioneering Swimmer
The butterfly stroke was originally developed as a variation of the breaststroke. In the early 1930s, swimmers began to experiment with bringing their arms forward over the water, which they found to be faster.
This stroke was developed and refined in the 1930s.
Double Arm Pull
Competitive swimmers must touch both hands simultaneously during each turn and finish in the butterfly events. This rule prevents swimmers from taking advantage of a “double arm pull” in which one hand touches the other, providing extra distance.
Speed Records
The world record for the men’s 100m butterfly has dropped dramatically over the years, from around 1:00 in the 1950s to under 49 seconds by the 2000s. This demonstrates how training techniques and an improved understanding of techniques have led to faster times.
Underwater Dolphin Kicking
Many elite butterfly swimmers use their underwater dolphin kicks after starts and turns to their advantage. Some swimmers can cover significant distances underwater, giving them an edge in the race.
Underwater Phases
Competitive butterfly swimmers can spend about half the race underwater due to the powerful dolphin kick used during starts and turns. This showcases the importance of underwater technique in this stroke.
Aquatic Synchrony
Synchronizing the arm movement with the dolphin kick is essential for an efficient butterfly stroke. The coordinated rhythm creates a harmonious and visually captivating motion.
Tactical Breathing
In longer butterfly races, swimmers might incorporate strategic breathing patterns to maintain their oxygen levels while still focusing on powerful strokes.
Butterfly swimmers must take a breath every two strokes. When a swimmer lifts his head it disrupts the smooth, streamlined motion of the stroke. A butterfly swimmer was once disqualified from a race because he was disqualified for taking too many breaths.
Multiple Strokes Challenge
Swimmers who excel in the butterfly stroke often excel in other strokes like breaststroke and freestyle as well, as the butterfly requires a versatile skill set that can translate to other events.
Iconic Olympic Moments
The butterfly stroke has produced some iconic Olympic moments. Michael Phelps is the most decorated butterfly swimmer in history. He has won 8 Olympic gold medals in the butterfly stroke, more than any other swimmer in any event.
High-Five Turns
High-five turn are turns that swimmers often use to touch the wall on their turns when they are doing butterfly stroke or breaststroke.
The body maintains a horizontal position on the water’s surface to reduce drag. The body undulates in a wave-like motion, rising and falling as the arms and legs move.
Swimmers typically take a breath during the arm recovery phase as their head rises above the water’s surface.
