This week’s Speedo Tip of the Week comes from Russell Mark, USA Swimming’s biomechanics coordinator. Mark gives some advice that should help young swimmers get their arms out of the water while swimming butterfly.
Mark’s Tip:
Many young swimmers have a tendency to lift their heads and upper body to breathe during the early stages of the butterfly pull. Imagine your whole body as a teeter-totter or seesaw. When you lift your head, the rest of your body is going to drop. Then, if your shoulders are at the surface or underwater, you will have a very hard time getting your arms over the water. Your arms just can't bend that way. So the key is always to think about moving forward. Push your chin forward to breathe. Minimize how much you bend your neck and lift your head. Timing your breath properly with your kick and pull will help you to do those things. Two other things to keep in mind are that a powerful kick and a strong finish in your pull will make it easier to recover your arms.