SWIMMING: THE SPORT
The Course – Competition pools are either short course (25 meters), or long course (50 meters). The international standard (as used in the Olympics) is 50 meters. World records are accomplished in 25 and 50 meter pools. USA Swimming maintains records for the 25 yards, 25 meters, and 50 meters.
The Swordfish pools are 25 meters pools. Swordfish swimmers compete in both short course (25 meter) meets and long course (50 meter) meets.
The Five Competitive Strokes
- Freestyle – The competitor may swim any stroke he or she wishes. The stroke most commonly used is the crawl, which is characterized by the alternating overhand motion of the arms and an alternating (up & down) flutter kick. On turns, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. Most swimmers do a flip turn and touch the wall with their feet.
- Backstroke – This stroke consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a flutter kick while on the back. On turns, the swimmer must touch the wall while on their back. This may be executed by doing a back flip turn (touching with their feet) or simple by staying on the back, touching with their hand, and then turning.
- Breaststroke – This stroke requires simultaneous movement of the arms in the same horizontal plane. The hands are pressed out from the breast in a heart shaped pattern and recovered under or on the surface of the water. The kick is a simultaneous thrust of the legs called a “frog” or breaststroke kick. No Flutter or dolphin kicking is allowed. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously. Swimmers are allowed only one underwater pull off the start and turn.
- Butterfly – This stroke requires simultaneous overhead stroke of the arms combined with a dolphin kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs together and may not flutter, scissors, or use the breaststroke kick. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously.
- The Individual Medley – commonly referred to as the I.M. This race features all four strokes. In the I.M., the swimmer begins with the butterfly, then changes after one-fourth of the race to the backstroke, then the breaststroke and finally freestyle. The swimmer must touch the wall with their hand for the backstroke to breaststroke transition.
Relays
- Freestyle Relay – This event consists of four freestylers, each swimming one quarter of the total distance of the race.
- Medley Relay – All four strokes are swum by a different swimmer. The first swimmer swims backstroke, the second breaststroke, the third butterfly and the final swimmer anchors the relay with freestyle.
Starts, Turns and Finishes
Many races are won or lost by swimmer’s performance in the start, turn or finish. At the start, the swimmer is called to the starting position by the official/starter who visually checks that all swimmers are motionless. When all swimmers are set, the gun or starting horn is sounded to start the race. If a swimmer has moved or left too early, that swimmer may be disqualified after the race for a false start. Under the EFSL swimming rules, one false start disqualifies the swimmer. Fast flip turns, quick touch-and-goes and tight stream-lines can improve a swimmer’s race times. Finishing strong to the wall and not gliding will also help improve race times.
The Rules
The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equal conditions for competition and to promote uniformity in the sport. Each stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmer gets an unfair advantage. Trained officials observe the swimmers during each event to ensure compliance of the rules. If a swimmer breaks any of the rules, he/she will be disqualified. This means that the swimmer will not receive an official time and will not be eligible for an award for that event.
