Butterfly stroke swimming, back pain?

Question

Hello all, so I started doing butterfly stroke about two weeks (not a beginner, know freestyle and breast, but then I saw Michael Phelps) back and I have been having back pain. Is this normal? Have I been using my back muscles too much? I was taught by my friend, who's a trained life guard and who's currently competing for school, so I'm pretty sure I do the stroke in the correct way. If this is normal, any way to ease my back pain?

Thanks a lot, I will make sure I'll choose the best answer...thanks.

Answer 1

i also used to suffer from back pains - i'm no expert but make sure you put your head far down before your arms follow, (my coach told me that) and to get your body far out of the water. As you said your stroke is probably fine but after 4 or more lengths you start to tire and don't have the strength to get your body out the water... sorry i have no answer of easing back pain but i'm definate its normal.