Comparison of Race Performance Characteristics for the 50 m and 100 m Freestyle among Regional-Level Male Swimmers

Abstract

Race analysis performed by faster and slower swimmers enables the definition of effective strategies for carrying out the competition. Until now, measurements of this type were mainly conducted among top-level athletes. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in swimming technique in sprint races between faster (FS) and slower (SS) regional-level swimmers. The performance of 33 swimmers (mean FINA points = 449) competing in 50 m and 100 m freestyle races was analysed. To determine the velocity (v), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI), races were recorded with the use of cameras. Using the Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney U test, the results were compared for two groups: FS (mean FINA points = 557) and SS (mean FINA points = 379). In the 100 m competition, differences between groups were noticed in v (1.70 and 1.51 m/s), SL (2.06 and 1.85 m), and SI (3.52 and 2.80 m2/s), while in the 50 m competition, they were noticed in v (1.95 and 1.73 m/s), SR (59.46 and 55.01 cycle/min), and SI (3.44 and 3.04 m2/s, respectively for the FS and SS groups). Adapting the technique to a shorter distance should be performed by increasing the frequency of movements. At the same time, the decrease in SL should be controlled. The indicator enabling the assessment of technical effectiveness, regardless of the distance, is the SI. The 50 and 100 m freestyle races require specific technical skills to be mastered. Therefore, the development of technique in swimmers should include its various variants.

Comparison of Ultra-Short Race Pace and High-Intensity Interval Training in Age Group Competitive Swimmers

“…In addition, in the study from Wądrzyk et al [ 28 ], it was observed that both fast (mean FINA points for 100 m front crawl = 557) and slow (mean FINA points for 100 m front crawl = 379) international level swimmers had similar SR (fast swimmers = 49.78 ± 2.47 vs. slower = 49.21 ± 4.40 cycles/min −1 ) with our participants. Therefore, it could be hypothesized, that in swimming protocols which are oriented to a specific event distance, in this instance 100 m, swimmers show similar SR.…”

“…Thus, this hypothesis possibly fits with the volume of a training set as well. In addition, Wądrzyk et al [ 28 ], showed that in a 100 m front crawl, swimmers had greater SI than the 50 m and this hypothesis may fit with the volume of each repetition of the training set. These findings seem contradictory; however, they do demonstrate that swimming distance most likely affects SI, but not in a particular manner.…”

Body Composition Relationship to Performance, Cardiorespiratory Profile, and Tether Force in Youth Trained Swimmers

“…Swimming races are defined to integrate sprint distances (50–100 m), middle distances (200–400 m), and long distances (800–1500 m) [ 9 ], with more or less 86% of indoor swimming events being performed at maximal or supramaximal intensities [ 10 ]. Hence, the accuracy in identifying exercise intensity domains toward the optimization of daily training plays an important role in performance enhancement in swimming [ 11 ], by athletes with appropriate body composition and high physical capacity corresponding to the specificity of the aquatic effort [ 4 ].…”