What this swimming skill is
Butterfly has a rhythm, a bit like a dance step. For every arm stroke, the legs kick twice: once as the hands go in, and again as they finish pushing back. One kick helps the body move forward, and the other helps the arms come out.
Your child works on this once they have a good body wave. Next come the arm stroke under the water, swinging the arms over, and the breath.
Why it matters
A smoother stroke.
With both kicks in place, butterfly flows and looks lighter.
Easier arms.
The second kick helps lift the arms out of the water, so the stroke feels less of a struggle.
Rhythm and coordination.
Learning a beat like this builds coordination that helps in every stroke.
Who it is for
Children, teens and adults work on this once they have a smooth body wave. Children often say the rhythm out loud and pick it up quickly. If you are learning as an adult, it is normal to overthink the timing at first. Practising with one arm at a time helps it settle.
Two kicks per arm stroke
The goal
Your child kicks once as the hands go into the water and again near the end of the arm stroke. They keep that two-kick beat going, stroke after stroke.
Why it matters
The two kicks give butterfly its rhythm. When they land in the right place, the stroke becomes smoother and less tiring.
What happens in lessons
Learning the beat.
Your instructor teaches a simple chant, like 'kick the hands in, kick the hands out', so your child can hear the rhythm.
One arm at a time.
Your child keeps one arm out in front while the other does the stroke. It makes the timing much easier to feel.
Both arms together.
When the beat feels natural, your child tries a few strokes with both arms.
Short and sweet.
Your instructor keeps swims short, so every stroke has good timing.
How you can help between lessons
- Tap the rhythm on a table together while saying 'kick the hands in, kick the hands out'.
Common questions
- Why two kicks and not one?
- Each kick has its own job. One helps the body move forward as the hands go in, and the other helps lift the arms out. With only one kick, butterfly usually feels much heavier.
- Does my child need to count the kicks?
- At first, saying the rhythm out loud really helps. Over time it becomes automatic.
- My child's second kick is tiny. Is that okay?
- Yes. The second kick is often smaller and quicker. What matters is that it is there.
- Can adults learn the timing?
- Yes. Adults sometimes find it trickier because they think about it too much. Slow practice and one arm at a time usually help it click.
