People swim in a variety of ways, but one of them trumps all others when it comes to difficulty. It is the butterfly stroke, which is a swimming move that, from above, creates the effect of a butterfly in flight. If you are a skilled swimmer, it can be quite fast, but it does require you to use a proper technique. You also have to have the strength and rhythm to pull it off. Therefore, practice is required if you want to show up at a swim competition and successfully use this swimming style.

The Movements

One of the most important things you will need to understand about doing the butterfly stroke is the movements that are required for you to successfully swim using it. The dolphin kick is the only movement that your legs will need to make. Your arms will need to move in unison as you reach down into the water and rotate your shoulders to bring them up to your side and over your back. Your body will also move as though you are a fish in water.

Why Use the Butterfly Stroke?

Some people say that you should swim in this way because it is the second fastest way to swim. Other people find the gracefulness of it appealing to witness. In either case, if your movements in the water are off by even a little, the butterfly stroke will fail you. In competition, it could stop you from winning, especially if you fail to pull off the two-handed touch at the end of your race because your arms are not in sync.