What To Know
- The swimmer circles their arms outward and backward, bringing them together in front of the chest at the end of the stroke.
- Butterfly poses a greater challenge for breathing, as the swimmer’s head is submerged for most of the stroke.
- Both breaststroke and butterfly can help build muscle, but butterfly engages a wider range of muscle groups, including the shoulders, chest, and back.
Swimming enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the two distinct swimming strokes: breaststroke and butterfly. While both strokes require significant skill and technique, they offer unique advantages and challenges. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of breaststroke vs. butterfly, exploring their similarities, differences, and suitability for different swimmers.
Body Position
Breaststroke
Breaststroke is characterized by a horizontal body position, with the swimmer’s chest parallel to the water’s surface. The swimmer’s head remains above water throughout the stroke, allowing for easy breathing.
Butterfly
In contrast, butterfly requires a more streamlined body position, with the swimmer’s body undulating through the water. The swimmer’s head remains submerged for most of the stroke, except during the recovery phase.
Arm Movements
Breaststroke
Breaststroke features symmetrical arm movements, where both arms are extended forward simultaneously. The swimmer circles their arms outward and backward, bringing them together in front of the chest at the end of the stroke.
Butterfly
Butterfly, on the other hand, involves alternating arm movements. The swimmer simultaneously sweeps one arm forward while the other arm recovers above the water. The arms are brought together at the top of the stroke, creating a butterfly-like motion.
Leg Movements
Breaststroke
Breaststroke is known for its distinctive leg movements, known as the “frog kick.” The swimmer simultaneously bends their knees and extends their legs outward, creating a circular motion. The feet are turned out and pressed together, resembling the motion of a frog.
Butterfly
Butterfly does not involve any leg movements. Instead, the swimmer maintains a streamlined body position by keeping their legs extended and together.
Breathing
Breaststroke
As mentioned earlier, breaststroke allows for easy breathing due to the swimmer’s head remaining above water throughout the stroke. The swimmer inhales during the arm recovery phase and exhales during the arm pull.
Butterfly
Butterfly poses a greater challenge for breathing, as the swimmer’s head is submerged for most of the stroke. Swimmers typically inhale during the recovery phase and exhale underwater during the arm pull.
Speed and Distance
Breaststroke
Breaststroke is generally slower than butterfly, as the frog kick generates less propulsion than the alternating arm movements of butterfly. However, breaststroke is more energy-efficient, allowing swimmers to cover longer distances without fatigue.
Butterfly
Butterfly is a faster stroke, but it requires more energy and coordination. Swimmers can achieve higher speeds with butterfly, but they may find it more challenging to maintain over longer distances.
Suitability
Breaststroke
Breaststroke is suitable for swimmers of all skill levels, including beginners. It is a relatively easy stroke to learn and can be used for recreational swimming or competitive racing.
Butterfly
Butterfly is a more advanced stroke that requires good technique and coordination. It is not recommended for beginners and is typically reserved for competitive swimmers.
Summary: Choosing the Right Stroke
The choice between breaststroke and butterfly ultimately depends on the swimmer’s individual goals, abilities, and preferences. If you prioritize energy efficiency and longer distances, breaststroke may be the better option. If speed and technique are your primary concerns, butterfly could be a more suitable choice. Regardless of your choice, both strokes offer unique benefits and challenges that can enhance your swimming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stroke is harder to learn?
Butterfly is generally considered more difficult to learn than breaststroke, as it requires advanced technique and coordination.
Which stroke burns more calories?
Butterfly burns more calories than breaststroke, as it involves more muscle movements and a higher heart rate.
Which stroke is better for building muscle?
Both breaststroke and butterfly can help build muscle, but butterfly engages a wider range of muscle groups, including the shoulders, chest, and back.
