**Step #2:  Butterfly Arms Pull**
To teach the butterfly pull, we start standing, with arms extended in the butterfly float position.

I demonstrate a vertical butterfly pull very slowly.

I have them follow along, slowly. They watch and listen.

“Turn your palms toward the ground; keep your elbows in the same place as you “V” into a diamond position with the hands at the level of the eyes and at the width of the shoulders.”

The swimmer should pause and make sure that the elbows are higher than the shoulders… and that the palms and forearms are level and are facing the ground, and still in a diamond position.

From this position, and while still standing upright, the swimmer should keep the palms facing the ground as they press the hands down and out to their sides, rounding out the exit and returning to the butterfly float position.

I will physically assist the swimmers with the vertical pull and recovery.

In this vertical position, I also use a kickboard to help the swimmers “feel” the correct movement of the pull, like this.

Next I demonstrate the butterfly pull by starting in a bent-over, flat-back position.

I then have the swimmers try this – they get in a flat-back/ butterfly float position and I assist them through the motion of the pull and recovery.

I sometimes use a board to provide a platform for their hands to press against.

Then, we return to the water.

Start in the butterfly float position and complete a single pull and recovery, without breathing and without any other body movement,

The command is: FLOAT—DIAMOND—PRESS—SWING.

After they can do one correct cycle, I allow them to do two or three, but remember: without breathing.


Sign In to watch video

Butterfly Arm Pull