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.