Butterfly Stroke

Breathing

Inhalation takes place as the arms complete their upsweep and begin to recover, as the body begins to rise. The head is lifted enough for the mouth to clear the water and the chin should be pushed forward, but remain at the water surface. Some exhalation underwater takes place during this phase.

The head is lowered quickly into the water again as the arms recover inline with the shoulders, to resume an overall streamlined position and maintain minimal frontal resistance.

Explosive breathing is normally preferred but a combination of trickle and explosive breathing can be used. Explosive breathing involves a rapid exhalation followed immediately by inhalation, requiring powerful use of the respiratory muscles.