Hello, I'm a UK swimmer (41) who took up swimming following a running injury 4 years ago. A familiar scenario to many. My freestyle and breaststroke is OK and infact I do fairly well in a breaststroke set at the club.
My butterfly is like a stone in the water however. I have chatted to other members , the coach, and watched the good guys, but it does not seem to happen. I get no real leg power on a kick in, kick out rhythym for each arm pull. I know the power comes from the stomach as well as the legs and I know rhythym is important. Has anybody had any great moments of enlightenment. No amount of drill work seems to make a huge difference. Any ideas ?
Parents
Former Member
Well, break your fly into short distances of 25 yards. That way you don't have to breath every stroke. Instead of a two beat kick try one beat kick. Most masters and age group teams will not encourage a one beat kick but its easier and since you are a beginner its easier. Also, I'm a one beat kicker and as a kid I had a fast fly by masters standards not today though. Third point, fly is conditioning and the better shape you are in the easier you are able to swim fly. But its hard, when I sprint a 50 yard fly, the last 20 yards falls apart on me. So, its going to take you time since you come from a non-swimming background. Also, some breaststrokers are good flyers while others are not.
Well, break your fly into short distances of 25 yards. That way you don't have to breath every stroke. Instead of a two beat kick try one beat kick. Most masters and age group teams will not encourage a one beat kick but its easier and since you are a beginner its easier. Also, I'm a one beat kicker and as a kid I had a fast fly by masters standards not today though. Third point, fly is conditioning and the better shape you are in the easier you are able to swim fly. But its hard, when I sprint a 50 yard fly, the last 20 yards falls apart on me. So, its going to take you time since you come from a non-swimming background. Also, some breaststrokers are good flyers while others are not.
