Romania #1548 (1963) – Butterfly Stroke

Description

Romania #1548 (1963) – Butterfly Stroke

The butterfly stroke is one of the four competitive swimming strokes used in freestyle and medley relay events. It is known for its distinctive arm and leg movements, which create a fluid, undulating motion in the water. Here are the key characteristics and techniques of the butterfly stroke:

1. Body Position:
   • Swimmers begin with their bodies face down in the water, with their chests parallel to the water’s surface.
   • The body remains relatively flat throughout the stroke, without excessive rolling or rotation.
2. Arm Movements:
   • Both arms move simultaneously in an overhead circular motion. The arms should move in sync, with one arm entering the water as the other exits.
   • The hands enter the water first, followed by the forearms and then the rest of the arm. This is often referred to as the “entry-catch-pull” phase.
   • After the initial entry, the arms sweep outward and then inward to create a circular path. This motion generates propulsion.
3. Leg Movements:
   • The legs perform a simultaneous and symmetrical kicking motion, commonly referred to as the “dolphin kick.”
   • The legs should stay close together, and the feet remain pointed.
   • The dolphin kick involves a fluid wave-like movement that originates from the hips. The legs move together, and the feet should not break the water’s surface.
   • The rhythm of the kick should be continuous, and the legs should generate power and help maintain the swimmer’s momentum.
4. Breathing:
   • Swimmers must take a breath during each arm cycle. This is typically done by lifting the head out of the water as the arms exit and sweeping back into the water when the arms re-enter.
   • Some competitive swimmers incorporate a “downbeat” to time their breath with the arm movement.
5. Timing and Coordination:
   • Timing and coordination are crucial in the butterfly stroke. The arm and leg movements should work together in a seamless, undulating motion.
   • The hips and core play a significant role in maintaining stability and facilitating the wave-like motion of the stroke.
6. Turns and Finishes:
   • Swimmers must execute turns and finishes according to competition rules. The butterfly stroke typically involves a simultaneous two-hand touch at the wall for turns and finishes.

The butterfly stroke is known for its technical demands and requires considerable strength, endurance, and coordination. It is a challenging stroke to master but is a key component of competitive swimming events, including the individual 100m and 200m butterfly races, as well as the butterfly leg in medley relay races. Swimmers who excel in the butterfly often display grace and power in the water.