Differences in the drop-off parameter betweenelite swimmers in the 100m butterfly

Abstract

This research aimed to determine differences in pace strategies between the two groups of elite swimmers at the 2019 World Championships in the 100m butterfly. The overall sample included in this study consisted of 16 male participants of the World Swimming Championships in South Korea, who were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of finalists (22.88 ± 3.83 years; n = 8), and the second group of semifinalists (24.63 ± 4.93 years; n = 8). The results are taken from the official results from the omega timing website. A T-test was used to determine the differences between groups. Finalist were faster than semifinalists for first lap (23.82 ± .45 vs. 24.26 ± .30 s, p= .035), second lap (27.34 ± .31 vs. 27.78 ± .34 s, p= .018) as well as final time (51.16 ± .74 vs. 52.04 ± .26 s, p= .007) but not in drop off (3.53 ± .22 vs. 3.51 ± .59 s, p= .946). Finalists of the 100-m butterfly event at international competitions swam a faster first and second lap compared to their competitors in the semifinal group. Both groups are elite swimmers and showed abilities to maintain swimming velocity in first and second laps, therefore minimizing the drop-off from the start to the end of the race. The pacing strategies of elite swimmers remain relatively stable. The obtained results can be a good starting point in the learning process and education of teachers who coach young swimmers.