Yoshimura, Y., Tanaka, T., Oishi, K., Yasukawa, M., & Matsuo, A. (2007). Characteristics of butterfly stroking skill in elite swimmers detected by means of a speed meter. ACSM Annual Meeting New Orleans, Presentation Number, 1432.

In this study, a speed meter was used to study the skills of elite butterfly stroke swimmers. Ss were four males (one had reached international level (ranked 3rd in the world in 2006); three had reached the national but not international level). Velocity curves were compared. A wire line of the speed meter was attached to Ss by means of a belt. Intracyclic velocity changes were recorded for several stroke cycles while swimming at maximum speed.

Implication. How the end of the butterfly stroke (upsweep and second kick phase) is performed differentiates elite from good swimmers. Swimmers should be encouraged to emphasize the speed and effectiveness of the final arm thrust and exit and second kick.

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