Hi, Mark here. Hope all is well.

​
Butterfly is often seen as the hardest stroke — but with the right breakdown, anyone can learn it. Think of it less as a power stroke and more like a rhythmic wave. Here’s how to get started:

🐬 The Basics

• Arms: Enter shoulder-width, sweep out and in, then relax on recovery.
• Kick: Drive from your hips with two dolphin kicks per arm cycle.
• Breathing: Lift just enough during recovery to inhale, then return your face smoothly.
  👉 Full technique guide​

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Out of sync: Slow down, focus on rhythm.
• Breathing too high: Keep lifts small.
• Stiff arms: Relax shoulders.
• Doing too much too soon: Stick to short distances and rest often.

💧 Drills to Build Confidence

• Body Dolphin: Undulate with no arms to feel the flow.
• Single Arm Fly: Focus on timing.
• Kick on Back: Reinforce hip-driven kicks.
  👉 More drills here​

📚 Want More Step-by-Step Help?

For a full breakdown of technique, drills, and rhythm — my How To Swim Butterfly book guides you through every stage, from your first kick to smooth full-stroke swimming. It’s perfect for beginners who want structure and confidence in the pool.

📝 For Teachers

If you teach others, my How To Teach Butterfly guide breaks the stroke into easy lesson plans and drills you can use poolside. Perfect for saving prep time and helping swimmers progress faster.

Butterfly feels awkward at first - that’s normal. Keep sessions short, focus on flow, and celebrate small wins.

Happy swimming,​
Mark
​Swim Teach

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