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Aim of the current study was to examine the reliability and validity of a new tool, developed for the assessment of young swimmers' technique in all swimming strokes. The sample of the study was 119 swimmers (63 boys and 56 girls), aged 8 to 12 years old. To evaluate swimmers' technique, each of them performed 15m for each one of the swimming strokes in individual medley order. ? digital camera, placed 5m above the pool's surface, recorded the swimming bouts. Three experienced swimming coaches evaluated the recorded videos with the new technique's evaluation tool named Tec Pa. Tec Pa assess six important key points of swimming technique in each stroke. According to the results no statistical significant differences were showed between the scores of the swimmers' evaluation by the three coaches (p > 0.05). Moreover, the association between the scores was statistically significant high (t = 0.863; p < 0.05). The findings of the current study reveal that Tec Pa is valid and reliable for the young swimmers' technique evaluation, with high strength of association. Also, Tec Pa can be used by the coaches to enhance the free observation method, which is mainly used, in young swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimming tests are used in every training cycle and seasons with purpose of estimating swimming performance and evaluate certain training types. The focus of this study is an attempt to distinguish between the potential short-distance and longer-distance swimmers, as well as the swimmers who could have desirable profiles for particular swimming styles. For this purpose, several aims are given: 1) to determine the latent dimensions of the performances in swimming tests, conducted on various distances and performed using different swimming styles; 2) to determine the correlations between speeds on various distances using different swimming styles; 3) to determine the differences in various distance speeds at the same swimmers ; 4) to determine the profiles of swimmers, based on the various distance speeds (4). Male swimmers (N=68), aged 14 to 16 from five Zagreb clubs were tested. Four swimming tests were used to measure speed (25-m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly), five swimming tests measured speed endurance (50-m freestyle, 100-m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly), while only one test measured endurance (800-m freestyle). The results revealed two interpretable and highly reliable latent dimensions of swimming tests. Factor analysis of the scores in swimming tests differentiated the variables of swimming tests that describe breaststrokes and other strokes. Most of the scores in the swimming tests are positively correlated (in range 0.25-0.85), while no differences in various distance speeds among the same swimmers are found. The results indicate the importance of using swimming tests, especially in breaststrokes styles, because of their specific motor structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to determine any difference between a traditional two semesters continued teaching and a ten-day course block scheduling. The sample comprised the third-year students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Leposavic, attendeding the Swimming and Water polo courses. The sample consisted of 142 students, 74 of whom regularly attended class, while 68 of them attended a ten-day course covering the same material. To evaluate the acquisition of the necessary skills, following was used: 200 m freestyle time and the evaluation of the butterfly performance, breaststroke and backstroke technique at a distance of 25 m. The results were obtained by applying a t-test for independent samples, and the Mann- Whitney U test. Based on the obtained results it could be concluded that the swimming curriculum realized over a ten-day course gave better result for the training of the swimming technique of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education students in Leposavi which questions the validity of the current realization of the swimming course in most faculties of this kind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine which of the motoric and anthropometric variables dominant on 50 meter four competitive swimming styles. The study consisted of 20 girls (M age = 16.50 ± 0.51 years) and 20 boys (M age = 16.50 ± 0.51 years), for a total of 40 swimmers volunteer individuals. Motoric performance tests, anthropometric measurements and body composition assessment were performed for all participants. The 50-meter swimming performance was determined in peak official competition. Simple Linear Regression analysis was used to determine the dominant variables in each of the swimming styles. As a result of simple linear regression, standing horizontal jump, and aerobic endurance were dominant parameters in boys for four swimming styles (P < 0.001). Standing horizontal jump, and aerobic endurance, sit and reach flexibility, agility, and balance were significantly prominent predictive variables in girls for four swimming styles (P < 0.001). Body height, hand and foot lengths were seen as dominant variables for the breaststroke, backstroke swimming styles in girl swimmers (P < 0.001). The findings suggested that standing horizontal jump, and aerobic endurance are dominant predictive parameters in 50-meter swimming performance for four swimming styles in both genders. Besides, body height, hand, and foot lengths could appear as predictive variables for the breaststroke, backstroke swimming styles in girl swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swimming results are permanently improving. Results in individual medley disciplines are also improving. Individual medley disciplines are consist of all four swimming techniques. Results in these disciplines depends among other things, on the swimming quality in all techniques. In 200m individual medley, each technique implies 50m swimming, in following order: butterfly, backstroke, breast stroke and free style. The aim of this paper is to determine individual affect of each swimming technique on 200m individual medley final result. Research was based on the achieved times of 30 male and 30 female swimmers who participated in 200m individual medley qualifications on European championship - Szczecin 2011, Poland. According to adequate statistical methods and analysis of results, certain conclusions will be derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collective tactics is based on division of the roles in all phases of the game. Positions, either role in the water polo, are instrumentality in realization of collective tactics. Roles in water polo are: center forward, guard, wing, external attacker and goal keeper. The aim in this study was to describe the role of the Guard (G) and to compare it with other roles. The subject of this investigation is description of all activities in the game without contact with the ball (all swimming, duels, play with player more or less). Data collection was performed by registration of player's activity during official games of the International Adriatic Water Polo League in the season 2009/10. Main units of measuring, entities, were positionplayer- quarter. The results were reiterated by 21 indicators and main statistics was compiled. Differential analysis for position G with respect to other players (positions) was performed on the basis of testing the model of binary logistic regression equitation. This proportion is evaluated on the basis of frequencies of backstroke swimming at maximum intensities (0.2:0-1) and frequencies swam by crawl technique at maximum intensity (2.9:2.3) as well as frequencies of breaststroke swimming at light intensity (1.45:1.0). In total distance swam G is statistically equal with other players. Statistically significant hi is different from other players in meters swam at maximum intensity (32.1:21.6) where there is a statistically significantly contribution of meters swam in crawl technique at maximum intensity (31.4:21.3). In the play with unequal number of players (player more/less) there are no significant differences regarding the players in other roles in the game. There is a statistically significant and remarkable difference of G from other players both in frequencies (3.1:2.6) and in the time (21.8:14.1) spent in duels. By application of binary logistic regression we defined differential characteristics of G regarding other roles in the game and that typified in equitation of play structure on the position G. Solitary contributions in prediction of role G are represented in linear equitation for position G. Results of this investigation will contribute in elaboration of water polo game model in the domain of situational play without ball (realization of the collective tactics regardless the choice of the type of tactics in either attack or defense). The result brings statistical descriptions of the role G as well as, in an unusual analysis, it brings comparative properties of the role G in relation to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Physical activities in water environment are essential for man's health. The level of swimming abilities is conditioned by level of swimming technique. Improving of swimming technique is not time conditioned and therefore it makes a very important part of swimming lessons. Our paper brings knowledge about the differentiated efficiency of on physical load while improving swimming technique of adults. The aim of the paper was to find out intensity of load during adult's swimming lessons. We wanted to adapt the content of the lessons to improve swimming technique. Materials and Methods: We monitored two women (34 years and 35 years) and one man (44 years) during a swimming course for adults (20 lessons), twice a week. All monitored adults were on the same swimming level, they were able to swim 50m breaststroke and backstroke. We used the Carvonen Formula for specifying the aerobic zone. Minimum was counted with 60% HRmax (or 50%) and maximum with 80% HRmax (or 70%). Results: The following factors influenced the proportionality of load during the lessons: previous water experience (psychic blocks), somatic predispositions, quality of swimming skills, age. The highest heart rate was measured during lessons of improving crawl and backstroke technique. Discussion: The swimming lessons of adults can be placed among the physical activities in water environment which develop physical condition and have mostly aerobic character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess stroke rate variability in elite female swimmers (200-m events, all four techniques) by comparing the semi-finalists at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games (n = 64) and semi-finalists at the French National 2004 Championship (n = 64). Since swimming speed (V) is the product of stroke rate (SR) and stroke length (SL), these three variables and the coefficient of variation of stroke rate (CVSR) of the first and second 100 m were determined (V1, V2; SR1, SR2; SL1, SL2; CVSR1, CVSR2) and differences between the two parts of the events were calculated (ΔV; ΔSR; ΔSL; ΔCVSR). When the results for the four 200-m events were analysed together, SR1, SR2, SL1, and SL2 were higher (α = 0.05, P < 0.001) and ΔV, ΔSR, and ΔCVSR were lower (P < 0.01) in the Olympic group than in the National group. The Olympic-standard swimmers exhibited faster backstrokes and longer freestyle strokes (P < 0.05). Both CVSR1 and CVSR2 were lower for freestyle and backstroke races in the Olympic group than in the National group (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that stroke rate variability is dependent on an interaction between the biomechanical requisites of the task (techniques) and the standard of the swimmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses upper extremity and trunk stabilization exercises for swimmers. Propulsion and recovery phase exhibited by the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly stroke; Importance of maintaining the ability to establish proper core positioning and stability while functionally strengthening the upper extremity; Mechanism for establishing dry-land stabilization exercises for the both the shoulder and the trunk.