Butterfly technique

Michael Phelps was the best butterflyer who ever did it. He can move his body in ways that most of us cannot. In particular, his shoulders are really flexible! Don't worry about what you can't do, though. Focus on the rhythm of Phelps' stroke and the timing of his kicks and pulls.

Watch the video 5 times:

1. Watch his kick - how do his chest, hips, and legs move during the fly?

2. Watch his arms over the water - see how straight they are when he swings them around.

3. Watch his arms underwater. Note how high his elbows stay during the first part of the pull. See how close together he brings his hands as they move underneath him.

4. Pay close attention to the timing of his hands and feet. Phelps kicks twice for every stroke. Where are his arms when he does his first kick? Where are his arms when he does his second kick?

5. Watch the whole stroke and try to feel the rhythm of the butterfly in your body while you watch.