The Start for Competitive Swimming

Each stroke is going to have a variation for how the start will begin during a competition. A swimmer that does not have the proper start can be disqualified during the competition. This is usually a disqualification for a false start, in which the swimmer moved before the buzzer sounded. We are going to look at the different starts. The first start is called the forward start, where you are on a starting block, pool deck, or will push off from the wall. The referee is going to signal for the swimmers to approach the blocks and gain their position. Once the referee has seen all the swimmers in the standard position he or she will then blow the next whistle for the meet to begin. The forward start is going to have one foot in front on the starting platform or area, with their hands curled around the edge of the platform. For the backstroke both feet must be on the wall and the hands will either be gripping the start bars on the platform or the wall.

The Butterfly

As a competitive swimmer you know it is very important to continue training, even when there are no races going on. In this article we are going to look at the Butterfly stroke to offer a few pointers in working on the fluidity of the movement. It is always important to go back to the basics when training to perfect the move overall.

First the butterfly is all about timing for the kick and arm cycle. You will lose a lot of energy if you don’t have the technique perfected before a race. The stroke has a double arm movement that helps to move you through the water, as you dolphin kick. In other words the timing should be the arms leaving the water, with the help of the downward motion of the kick. The arms must be pressed laterally on the out sweeping motion with the arms flexing at the elbows. At this point the small kick will start. As you sweep in the small kick will finish and the arms will continue to flex as the hands are turned medially and pressing towards the body. For some the butterfly is a very difficult move to keep up the speed and timing of the large and small kicks with the arms.

The Backstroke

As a competitive swimmer you may already know how to perform the backstroke; however there are certain technique points that should be mentioned regarding the backstroke to make sure your mind is geared towards getting the best speed, and using the least amount of energy to do so.

The backstroke is very simple in movements with the arm cycles pulling you through the water and your legs giving you the propulsion to move. With the backstroke the main force of movement is the leg kicks, therefore you need to make sure you are kicking with the feet, with the maximum amount of energy. You don’t want to kick above the surface; instead your feet should be kicking below the water. Most novices make the mistake of kicking the air. In the same token you don’t want your leg kick to be too deep.

The head position is also very important. Since you are on your back for the backstroke you have to use your body to guide you through the water in a straight line; therefore you need to have your head in line with your body and just above the surface. The head should never be out of the water completely.

Swim Competitions

As a competitive swimmer or someone who is interested in becoming a competitive swimmer you know, there are different strokes as well as races during a meet. You also know that you will want to join in the best races for you. In other words your coach is going to help you decide which strokes you perform well and where you should compete to help you do well in the competition. There are six events that you can choose from in swim competitions. You have the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relay race.

For the individual medley you are going to have the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and then freestyle to finish the race. Typically for the individual medley the forward start on a block is used, and you will begin with the butterfly, turn according to the rules and go to the backstroke. As you continue through the race you will need to execute the proper turns for the stroke you are currently doing and make sure you do not use a butterfly kick off the wall for more than 15 feet after each turn. This can be a race for any competitive swimmer, even if one stroke is not their best, since time can be made up with the other strokes.

Competitive Swimming: Relay Race

Relay races are very much a team event for all competitive swimmers. It allows the team members to work with the team rather than having a good old competition against each other. Usually it is a nice change of pace during a competitive swim meet. For those just coming into the competitive swimming world there is a four part team for the relay. The team members are going to swim one fourth the distance to complete their leg. The team member must touch the wall before the other team member on the starting block can dive into the water. If the team member dives before the other member secures the wall, the entire team is disqualified for a false start. Any stroke can be used during the relay race.

Usually the swimmer is going to pick their number one stroke over the others. For instance one who usually races the butterfly as their top event will most likely take that stroke. The only rule that applies for the strokes is that the freestyle must be used on the last leg of the relay race.

Freestyle

Freestyle is generally the favourite of most swimmers as a warm up stroke. It is one of the easier strokes, for technique to learn and perform well. With the freestyle stroke you are going to concentrate on your arm cycles over the legs. In fact the leg kicks only count for 10% of the total speed through the water. With the freestyle you’re elbow is going to leave the water first. The elbow should be high, with the fingers relaxing under the elbow as you bring it out of the water. The fingers are the last to leave the water, but as the arm is out of the water you will begin to extend it allowing the fingers to cup as they move through the water. The force of the move will create the speed as you sweep and drop the shoulder. Then your other arm will start the movement. In other words for freestyle you are moving one arm and then the other. As the first arm is about to hit the water, your other arm should be moving out of the water. The legs are going to balance your body and provide a little speed as you have a momentary lapse during the strokes.

Competitive Swimwear Overview

Competitive swimwear is usually up to the individual swimming. In this I mean that the type of goggles, brand of swimwear, and caps are up to the swimmer; however the style is usually universal. Since a swimmer needs to create the least amount of drag with their body the swimwear must be form fitting. This means that the female attire is usually going to offer a full piece swim suit that crosses in the back to avoid any strap issues. The males are typically going to be in Speedos.

The swimwear needs to be tight, but not restrictive. In other words any extra material will create drag, but you don’t want to cut off the circulation of the body. This means you need to select the appropriate size and style for you. The caps mentioned above will also prevent drag with your hair, especially if you have rather long hair. It also makes the goggles more comfortable as they don’t pull on the hair. The goggles should be something that will provide the best sight, as well as the most comfortable straps.

Competitive Swimwear for Women

Women have different styles of suits they can choose from for regular swimming, but when you become a competitive swimmer you know drag is going to be extremely important. For women a one piece suit that is form fitting will allow for the best results. It will reduce drag and offer you a comfortable suit. Many of the female swimsuits are going to have a cross back design for the shoulder straps. This will prevent the suit from becoming loose or bind up the shoulder action needed for the strokes.

Typically the female design offers thin straps that will cross at mid back, in the middle of the back is a circular hole, and that leads to the material for the rear end. It offers a bit more style to the suit. Speedo, TYR, Dolfin, and Nike all have swimwear for women. You will be able to choose from lcyra, nylon, or spandex material. It will depend on your comfort level, as well as your form. You need to have a suit that will offer form fitting, but not too tight around the legs or shoulders.

Competitive Swimwear for Men

Competitive swimwear is just as important as the techniques and practice. You want to make sure you are comfortable during the swim and that nothing will create a drag. There are a few styles of competitive swimwear for males. You have briefs or the shorts. The shorts are making an appearance at more meets because of the comfortable material as well as the covering they provide, while still offering no drag.

One of the leading competitive swimwear manufacturers is Speedo. Speedo has been one of the primary suppliers of swimwear for competitions for more than three decades. They offer a lycra material that is chlorine proof, as well as durable for the many meets you will have. The TYR male competitive swimwear is 80% nylon based and 20% lycra offering a little difference in the material and possibly comfort. Other manufacturers of swimwear for competitions are Nike and Dolfin. Both companies offer a spandex like material that will stretch for comfort, but limit drag. You will find each swimsuit is designed for endurance, as well as the chlorine they will be used in.

Competitive Swimwear Accessories II

Competitive swimwear accessories also include caps and your warm up suit. The caps are generally made of lycra to fit uniformly on your head. There are a few different designs when you considered swim caps, in that they have different colour patterns or you can simply go for the standard yellow cap. You just want to make sure the cap fits snuggly and that it is not too tight. While swimming in a competition you don’t need to be distracted by anything not fitting properly. The other accessory we mentioned is the warm up suit. Typically athletes like to have some type of suit that will be loose and comfortable while they warm up and wait for their turn. This type of suit will generally be made of a thin cotton material or a polyester microfibre. The suit should be easy to get out of during a meet as well as warm enough if you are outside. Typically there is a jacket and pants to make up the suit, where the legs will zipper to provide easier removal.

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