Biomechanical Review of the Technical Components of Competitive Swimming

Abstract

The goal of a competitive swimmer is to travel a given distance in the minimum amount of time. A swimming event is composed of the start, turn and free swimming technical sections. In this study, the literature review which pertains to the start and turn technical components of the race was conducted to draw useful implications for training programs. From the up- to- date literature review, it seems that these technical components of competitive swimming are determinant for the overall performance. Specifically, relying on the implications drawn from this literature review, technical modifications to the swim start significantly reduce the swimming race time, especially in the sprints. A starting technique that allows the swimmer
to generate greater impulse without increasing block time would be the most optimal technique. Furthermore, the entry and glide phase of the start seems to be a significant part of the competitive swimming. According to the results of the relevant studies, the entry and glide phase- during which the swimmer attempts to maintain speed without actions to propel the body- represents the highest velocity experienced by the swimmer during a swimming race. The less streamlined the swimmer is during this phase, the greater the deceleration rate. Moreover, the optimal depth where the glide should be performed as well as the optimum time to initiate dolphin kicks (underwater kicking) the magnitude of which is related to the glide velocity,
seem to be crucial for improving starting efficiency. As far as the turns are concerned, enhanced turning skill is an important component in overall swimming performance. A successful swim turn results from a multitude of factors and requires a complex series of maneuvers to optimize maximum turning performance. An optimal outbound turning technique maximizes the distance achieved from the wall push-off by minimizing the deceleration caused by the drag force. Concerning the design of swimming training, the pertinent information gained from this review could have a significant role in the elaboration of more efficient training programs as well as the improvement of swimming performance.