The butterfly stroke you know today first appeared in 1934 with an arm movement called the butterfly arm pull. The following year, according to Mary Donahue, a physical education, biological and health science instructor at De Anza College in Cupertino, California, the introduction of the dolphin kick and the integration of the arm and leg actions completed the development of the new stroke. Due to a 20-year controversy regarding the breaststroke, strict rules now ensure these two strokes remain separate.
Butterfly Basics
Understanding the process of swimming the butterfly is often easier than actually doing it. Although the arm and leg movements themselves are not difficult, the BBC Sport Academy notes that the butterfly will test your level of stamina. The general procedure for swimming the butterfly involves push, pull and lifting movements using your arms, up and down kicking movements using your legs and proper breathing techniques to ensure your muscles receive a good supply of oxygen to prevent fatigue. When performing the butterfly stroke in competitive events, you must execute the stroke according to five rules set forth by FINA, the international governing body of swimming.
Body Position
FINA rules relating to body position state that when starting the race and after each turn, you must keep your body on the breast. River City Swim League describes on the breast as keeping your shoulders at a minimum of a 90-degree angle to your breast.
Arm and Leg Movements
Three rules regarding arm and leg movements include a requirement that you complete all arm movements, whether forward or backward, simultaneously. You must also use both legs simultaneously to complete all kicking movements. The third rule requires you to touch the wall using both hands each time you turn, as well as at the end of the race. When touching the wall, FINA states that your hands can be in or out of the water.
Technique
The final FINA rule states the when starting the race and each consecutive turn, you must break the surface of the water by lifting your head by the time you reach the 15 meter mark and keep your body on the surface until the next turn. This rule allows you to complete one or more leg kicks and one arm pull under the water, to help bring you to the surface.
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