Butterfly Technique: Power and Rhythm

The ripple as the central motor

The butterfly stroke is widely considered the most physically and technically demanding stroke, standing out for both its power and aesthetics.

Unlike crawl or backstroke, where the rotation is longitudinal, butterfly is based on a rhythmic undulation of the entire body on the transverse axis.

The coach must teach that the propulsion does not originate from the shoulders, but from the core and hips.

The motion is similar to that of a dolphin: a wave that starts at the chest, travels through the hips and ends in a whip of the feet.

If the swimmer tries to swim "flat" or rely on arm strength alone, fatigue will set in within seconds.

The technical key is coordination; the body must flow through the water minimizing vertical resistance, using the undulation to lift the shoulders naturally for aerial recovery of the arms.

The double kick rhythm

The rhythmic structure of the butterfly is defined by two dolphin kicks for each stroke cycle. This synchronization is non-negotiable in order to maintain inertia.

The first, more powerful kick occurs as the hands enter the water, helping to propel the hips upward and forward.

The second kick, often more subtle, is executed at the end of the pull (push phase), facilitating the exit of the arms from the water.

The coach must work intensively on strengthening this "kick motor," as weak legs cause the hips to sink, leaving the swimmer in a vertical position of maximum resistance (drag).

Instruction focuses on maintaining a continuous, fluid kick that sustains horizontal speed during times when the arms are not generating traction.

Breathing and maintaining inertia

Butterfly breathing is the moment of greatest technical vulnerability. When lifting the head to inhale, there is an immediate risk of the hips dropping, slowing progress.

To mitigate this, a low breathing technique is taught: the swimmer should project the chin forward over the surface of the water rather than lifting the entire torso upward.

In addition, to preserve rhythm and inertia, a "one yes, one no" breathing pattern (breathing every other stroke) is recommended.

This allows a more hydrodynamic