**Butterfly Timing and Rhythm**

*“Rhythm and timing are so important in butterfly.  When you get the rhythm and timing just right, it can feel like you’re FLYING through the water.”*  – Misty Hyman, 2000 Olympic gold medalist, 200 butterfly

Join us this week as we search for effortless butterfly.

**Monday**

**Misty Hyman: Two Kicks Per Stroke**

“When I think about butterfly timing, I think about taking two kicks per stroke.  I kick my hands in…and kick my hands out.”

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/853-two-kicks-per-stroke-updated>

**Tuesday**

**Building a Better Butterfly:  Vertical Butterfly Jumps**

To teach butterfly timing, start by teaching a proper pull and recovery pattern.  This can be done on deck…or by doing vertical butterfly jumps.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3161-vertical-butterfly>

**Wednesday**

**Building a Better Butterfly: Kick When the Hands Land**

After mastering a proper pull pattern when vertical, take it horizontal.  To focus on timing, land the kick simultaneously with landing the hands.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3158-kick-when-the-hands-land>

**Thursday**

**Building a Better Butterfly: Two Kicks in Front**

To transition to full-stroke butterfly, add a second kick while the hands are still out in front of the body.  This timing can be especially effective for Masters swimmers.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3159-two-kicks-in-front>

**Friday**

**Building a Better Butterfly: Single-Arm Butterfly**

Single-arm fly is the time-tested drill for teaching effective butterfly timing, particularly two kicks per armstroke.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3165-single-arm-butterfly>

**Saturday**

**Building a Better Butterfly: Single-Arm Butterfly – 2 Right/2 Left**

Here’s another proven drill for imprinting butterfly timing and rhythm.  Try it with fins!  Try it with a FINIS Tempo Trainer!

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3167-single-arm-butterfly-2-right-2-left>

**Sunday**

**Dave Denniston Breaststroke Drills: Butterfly/Breaststroke Combo**

Here’s your final exam for mastering butterfly rhythm and timing.  Denniston and Winfield (Stitts) are pure poetry.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/193-butterfly-breaststroke-combo>

Summary

Butterfly Rhythm and Timing Techniques

Glenn led a meeting focused on butterfly rhythm and timing, using videos from the Go Swim app featuring Misty Hyman, an Olympic champion. Participants discussed filming techniques and planned to record Steve using the slipstream device, with Berrin agreeing to capture footage and edit it. Glenn emphasized the importance of rhythm in butterfly swimming and shared videos to demonstrate proper technique. The session was informal, and participants were encouraged to ask questions and provide comments.

Butterfly Swimming Technique Overview

Glenn discussed butterfly swimming technique, focusing on body position and rhythm. He explained the stressed position and how to transition into a more natural position, emphasizing the importance of timing the kicks with hand movements. Glenn also covered exercises to help athletes develop the correct rhythm and technique, including using fins for body dolphin kicks. He addressed common misconceptions about butterfly kicks and stressed the importance of consistency in teaching.

Butterfly Swimming Technique Demonstration

Glenn demonstrated a butterfly swimming technique focusing on body position and breathing. He explained how to maintain the correct head and chin position to avoid going too deep underwater, using Misty's Olympic-winning technique as an example. Glenn emphasized the importance of the "down and out, up and in" motion for rhythm and timing, particularly for breaststroke, and highlighted how this exercise helps swimmers learn to breathe without using their arms. He also discussed the benefits of keeping a slight cap sighting for younger swimmers and the value of reviewing and planning each stroke phase.

Swimming Techniques and Efficiency Training

Glenn and Steve discussed swimming techniques, focusing on exercises to improve stroke efficiency and rhythm. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable position, keeping hands still, and using a sweeping motion to enhance timing and balance. Steve introduced a new "Monster" component for more advanced swimmers to set up a high early catch. They also highlighted the benefits of using fins and a snorkel for extended practice and introduced key phrases like "float," "diamond angel," and "swing" to simplify and reinforce proper technique.

Single-Arm Butterfly Stroke Techniques

Glenn demonstrated and explained various techniques for teaching single-arm butterfly stroke, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific movements like "kick the hands out" and "pop the hips" to improve timing and coordination. He highlighted the use of fins and the need for patience in practicing these drills, noting that they are effective for building the second kick without overwhelming the swimmer. Glenn also discussed the importance of breathing to the side in straight butterfly to maintain a straight head position and the need to avoid breathing on full strokes during these exercises.

Butterfly-Breaststroke Drill Techniques

Glenn discussed a drill that combines butterfly and breaststroke, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout the stroke. He explained how to adjust technique to maintain rhythm, using examples from Olympic swimmers like Staciana and Davo. Glenn also addressed questions about single-arm drills, breaststroke kick timing, and the legality of using breaststroke kicks in butterfly races for masters swimmers. He stressed the importance of delaying the recovery of the legs in breaststroke to prevent pushing effects and improve technique.

Butterfly Technique and Timing Discussion

The group discussed breath timing and butterfly technique, with Mike sharing his approach of teaching arms to start and end in the front to prevent late breathing. They reviewed a recent article by Doug Cornish on swimswam that demonstrated proper timing and body position in butterfly. The conversation also covered a vertical drill involving jumping off the bottom and taking one stroke before breathing, which Mike was planning to use in his training.

Butterfly Swimming Teaching Techniques

The group discussed various techniques for teaching butterfly swimming, with Aleks sharing his method of using a "thumbs up" drill to prevent hand dominance and Glenn agreeing it was an effective way to eliminate errors. Orin raised concerns about struggling butterfly swimmers who maintain an incorrect U-shape in the water despite drills, and Glenn suggested watching Misty's video for solutions. The discussion included several troubleshooting tips, including using a tempo trainer, early arm exit, and lane line drills, with Karen and others sharing their experiences with different coaching approaches.


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May 20, 2025 - Butterfly Rhythm