What this swimming skill is
In butterfly, your child breathes to the front, not to the side. As the arms pull, the chin slides forward for a quick breath, and the face goes back down before the hands land. It feels a little rushed at first, then becomes part of the rhythm.
This comes after both arms can pull and swing together. Putting the whole stroke together is the next and final step.
Why it matters
Swimming further.
Breathing without stopping lets your child swim more than a few strokes of butterfly.
A smoother stroke.
A low, quick breath keeps the body level, so the stroke stays light.
Calm under effort.
Learning to breathe steadily in a demanding stroke builds confidence for all swimming.
Who it is for
Children, teens and adults work on this once they can pull and swing both arms together. Children often lift the head high at first, and a simple reminder like 'chin on the water' helps. If you are learning as an adult, it is common to breathe a little late at first. Short, relaxed swims help the timing settle. Being comfortable blowing bubbles underwater makes this easier at any age.
Breathing to the front
The goal
Your child takes a quick, low breath to the front while the arms pull. The face goes back down before the hands land, stroke after stroke.
Why it matters
Breathing without breaking the rhythm is what lets your child swim butterfly for more than a few strokes. It also keeps the stroke smooth and less tiring.
What happens in lessons
Bubbles and breaths.
Your instructor checks your child is happy breathing out with the face in, then lifting the chin to breathe in.
Practising the head movement.
Standing or with support, your child practises sliding the chin forward for a breath and back down.
Adding it to the arms.
Your child tries the breath with the arm stroke, often one arm at a time first.
A few full strokes.
Your child swims a few strokes of butterfly with a breath, resting in between.
How you can help between lessons
- At bath time, your child can blow bubbles with the face in, then lift the chin forward to breathe in. An adult stays within arm's reach.
Common questions
- Should my child breathe on every stroke?
- It depends on the child. Some find every stroke easiest, others prefer every second stroke. Your instructor tries both and helps choose what keeps the stroke relaxed.
- Why not lift the head higher to get more air?
- Lifting the head high makes the hips sink, and the stroke gets much harder. A low breath is quicker and keeps the body level. It takes a little practice to trust it.
- My child gets out of breath quickly. Is that normal?
- Yes. For most people, butterfly is the most demanding stroke. Your instructor keeps swims short and adds strokes as the rhythm improves.
- Is it like breathing in breaststroke?
- Similar, since both breathe to the front. In butterfly the head stays lower and the breath is quicker.
