Shoulder-Width Entry
Hands enter butterfly in line with the shoulders, thumbs slightly down – a strong, narrow start to the pull.
- Stages
- Stage 6, Stage 7
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Skills
- Butterfly Arms
- Equipment
- None
- Age
- 9–99 years
- Group size
- 1–12 swimmers
- Time
- About 4 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
What it develops
- Butterfly with two-kick rhythm and forward breathing
- Efficient butterfly for a short distance
How to run it
- Standing, show the 'Y' entry: hands in line with the shoulders.
- Swim three strokes of butterfly; aim both hands at the shoulder lines.
- Press the chest down as the hands enter.
- Partner watches from the end of the lane.
Teaching cues
- Hands in front of your shoulders.
- Chest down as you enter.
- Catch and push.
Make it easier
- Butterfly Arms Walk.
- Single arm.
Make it harder
- Five strokes with consistent entry.
- Link with Chin on the Water.
Common faults
- Hands entering wide.
- Hands slapping together in front of the head.
Corrections
- 'Make a Y, not a T.'
- 'Hands on the train tracks.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Watch from the end of the lane and tell the swimmer 'Y' or 'T' after each stroke.