The kick drives the arms (cue)
Definition: The kick and body motion drives Butterfly. The arms provide power, but should not be primary focus for the timing and flow of the stroke. Rolling hips, easy arms.
Core cues:
- Hips up, arms in 11
- Arms pull and hip drop
- Throw hips up and recover
- Thumbs down, clap the back of hands above head
Coach interpretation:
- Hips up, arms in 11: Use this language for beginner swimmers. The picture is exaggerated, but an effective position for new learners. When the arms are in position 11, the hips should be pushing up towards the surface of the water.
- Arms pull and hip drop: Drive the hips forward or down as the arms pull water below the body. When the arms are pulling down and exiting the water, the hips should be pushing down while the head rises to breathe.
- Throw hips up and recover: Thrust the hips or butt up to swing arms out of the water and initiate the recovery.
- Thumbs down, clap the back of hands above head: Recover, or return to position 11 by keeping the thumbs pointed at the bottom of the pool while leading the motion with the back of the hand. For beginners use the language clap, the back of the hands above your head.
Teaching strategy:
Timing is crucial and focus on these two body positions. Use this language for beginner swimmers. For beginners use the language clap, the back of the hands above your head. Pepper butterfly into your instruction. Avoid dwelling too long on butterfly as it can be difficult and complicated for new swimmers. Do small amounts of butterfly often. Focus on short distances and limited arm strokes. It is crucial to emphasize a strong kick and hip motion.
Common errors and corrections:
- Swimmers that tried to muscle their way through butterfly, but only using their arms: Proper kicking and strength from the core and thighs will help make the kick stronger and be the anchor point for the rest of the stroke.
Progression:
Arms begin in position 11. Pull underwater to the hips, then exit the water. Recover with straight elbows, thumbs a, and the back of the hands aiming forward. Suggested sets: 3X streamline +2 butterfly fly arm strokes; 3X streamline + 2 fly arms with breath on #2; 2x 25: 2 strokes fly then fly kick rest of the 25 with fins; 2x 25: Fly swim to ½ way with breath in even strokes. Fly kick second ½ all with fins; 1x 50: 4 strokes fly swim breath in 2 and 4, then fly kick in solider rest of each 25. NO FINS; 2x 25: Fly swim. Breaths in even strokes.
Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “Hips up, arms in 11:”