Fastest Components of Swimming Races - Analysis
Insights into the biomechanical and physiological aspects of skills in competitive swimming
Improving Swimming Performance Through Underwater Techniques and Race Analysis
The following resource was delivered by European Aquatics as a part of their satellite Coaching Clinic event “bridging the gap between science and training”
Overview
This resource introduces key insights from a presentation on optimising swimming performance, focusing on underwater technique, starts, and turns. The video, hosted by European Aquatics and delivered by Santiago Veiga (Polytechnic University of Madrid, ESP), provides valuable strategies for coaches and competitive swimmers to improve race outcomes.
Key Communication Points:
- Underwater Performance Matters
- Insight: Swimmers can improve race results by maximising underwater distance and speed during starts and turns. The underwater phase is the fastest part of the race and plays a critical role, particularly when fatigue sets in during longer events.
- Starts and Turns Are Crucial
- Insight: Starts and turns can make or break a race. The faster the start and more efficient the turn, the better the swimmer’s overall time will be.
- Relay Starts Require Special Attention
- Insight: Relay starts are not always faster than individual starts. They require their own specific training due to the different movements involved.
- Physiological Impact of Underwater Swimming
- Insight: Underwater swimming increases lactate levels more than surface swimming, but it can still be managed effectively with proper training and technique.
Video Link: Watch the full video on underwater swimming and race optimization here.
This video is an excellent resource for coaches and athletes looking to gain deeper insights into the biomechanical and physiological aspects of competitive swimming.