Quantification of technical drills in swimming training

BACKGROUND: Performance during a swimming competition depends on the conversion of metabolic power into mechanics through a certain energy efficiency. The greatest influence on swimmer performance comes from improvements in swimming technique, supported by energy enhancement. The purpose of the work was to verify in what percentage the exercises on the technique are utilized during a typical week of the different periods of the season. METHODS: Thirty-seven Italian coaches of competitive swimming teams took part to the following study. The subjects responded to a questionnaire regarding the inclusion of technical exercises during swimming training sessions. RESULTS: The percentage trend of technique drills utilized in the training is similar for all categories, with a greater presence during the period of recovery and preparation for the race. Technique exercises are more closely integrated into the developing categories. In the youth categories, however, the technical percentage does not exceed 7.2% and the percentages, in all periods, are very similar. Minimum values of the percentage of the technique exercises are found in the category of the adult athlete (over 20). As the age of the athlete grows, coaches insert fewer and fewer technical drills during the training microcycles. CONCLUSIONS: Many coaches still rely heavily on metabolic training, underestimating the importance of technical aspects. On the other hand, although the swimming technique makes the greatest contribution to performance, this is closely connected with energy; therefore, a powerful and consolidated metabolic base cannot be neglected.