When teaching butterfly from the deck, I follow a 5-step teaching progression. 

Step #1 is to teach Body Position.  Specifically, I want them to learn what I call the Butterfly Float – the landing position.

Step #2 is to teach Arms, and this includes both recovery…

… and pull.

Step #3 is to teach Body Dolphin…and I teach head-lead body dolphin and hand-lead body dolphin.

Step #4 is to teach Timing.

And Step #5 is to teach Breathing.

There are benefits for the coach in knowing how to teach butterfly from the deck.  Aside from the obvious benefit of staying dry, the number one advantage is that your swimmers can see you better and hear you better.

From on deck, you can teach several butterfliers at the same time. 

From on deck, it’s easier to maintain discipline and control with a group of young athletes. 

From on deck, you can still demonstrate technique.  

And, when your swimmers are out of the water, you can use positioning techniques to help them feel the correct movements.   

In addition, some swimmers may learn better when you’re on deck because you have better control over the learning environment and there are fewer distractions.


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Teaching Butterfly from the Deck