Swimming: Hip Position.

The butterfly technique is the most modern of all four swimming strokes. Developed from breaststroke, it has similarities as regards undulation and the dolphin type action that occurs. Undulation will occure when the head and upper body rises and falls in realtion to the kick, pull and breathing pattern. Develop a good streamline position by placing your face in the water before the hands enter at the front of the stroke. The hips are swept up to the water surface as the head and face drops down; At this point the arms are being swept forwards over the top of the water with the help of the second leg kick. There are always two leg kicks to every one arm pull within the full stroke cycle. Develop rhythm and timing rather than pure strength and power.

A simultaneous double arm circling action, starting the pull with arms out in front no more than shoulder width apart, face on the water with hands entering the water in front of the shoulders; Pulling in and under the body and through past the hips at which point breathing takes place by pushing the chin forward clear of the water surface, elbows and hands then lift out of the water and sweep forwards over the water surface to help lift the hips, re-entry of the hands in front of the shoulders will then take place for another stroke cycle. The pulling pattern underwater is with slightly bent elbows to create more leverage and power.

Breathing takes place by lifting the head to the font of the stroke or slightly sideways during the arm action. During the arm action keep the chin low to the water surface with the breath taken as the hands approach and move past the hips. Breathing only once every second arm stroke will improve streamlining and increase lung capasity.

On the last stroke stretch for the wall with both hands and drive the leg kick. Touch the wall with both hands and lift the knees towards the chest and place both feet on the wall. One arm then moves forward cutting underwater, the trailing arm is taken over the water surface and the hand cuts into the water to meet up with the leading arm. As you push off the wall underwater, stretch down the pool with hands and feet held together to develop good streamlining. Before full stroke swimming is resumed, three or four dolphin leg kicks are executed, to a maximum of fifteen metres within the laws of swimming, as greater speed can be found whilst underwater when good streamlining is achieved.