How do you improve tempo in butterfly, and how do tempo and power differ?

Hey swimmers! This is coach Milo.

Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from you all on the internet.

Today's question is:

"How do you improve tempo in butterfly, and how do tempo and power differ?"

Answer:

Milo explains that in butterfly, tempo—like in every stroke—is driven by the kick. Butterfly includes two dolphin kicks per cycle: one at the finish and one at hand entry. Faster, well-timed kicks increase tempo and speed.

However, kicking faster doesn’t mean kicking bigger. Smaller, tighter kicks with controlled hip movement are more efficient. Milo stresses that holding water with the hands and forearms is critical before trying to increase tempo. He compares butterfly rhythm to dancing—you can’t dance fast to a slow song. To swim faster, the rhythm must increase in harmony with the kick and pull.

Summary:

Butterfly tempo improves through faster, controlled kicking and strong water hold. Rhythm and timing matter more than raw arm speed or power.