FORCING Your Way Down The Pool? Reduce Drag By Improving Swimming Stroke Technique

With the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games in India, many of the top level swimming meets have concluded, and most of the world’s top swimmers have put in their best swims of the season. It is clear that for the most part, swimming performances this year obviously in general have been slower. Many reports, blogs, and swimming discussion forums during the Summer of 2010 are full of statistics by event, stroke, and age.

It would seem that at least in the near future the quickest path back to the performance times attained using the high tech swimsuits would be strategies aimed at reducing the effects of drag. No matter what your opinion of how high tech swimsuits attained the performance results that shattered the swimming record books at almost any level, there is probably little disagreement that the performance results were attained by the reduction of drag. Obviously, reducing swimming drag not only allows a swimmer to go faster, but swimming science has objectively shown for years, it can also reduce the energy cost of swimming. Just like in motor sports, methods of reducing drag allow the car to go faster, even though the horsepower of the car remains unchanged.

Nevertheless, to my surprise all through the Summer of 2010 on many blog and discussion forums was more dialog and great debate about how to increase propulsive FORCE to improve swimming performance. There were numerous posts about this term called “EVF” an arm position believed to generate better propulsive force in freestyle swimming, and videos of swimmers proclaiming that now in order to get faster they needed to somehow work even harder to get back to those tech suit times.

But what about working harder in the right direction?

So why did all the dialog about FORCING our way down the pool continue? For decades in swimming, we tried to reduce the area of fabric in swimming suits, or made them so paper thin you could see right through them. Now we find that more fabric covering the body is actually better at lowering the drag. Tech suits did not improve propulsive FORCE or power or even allow us to swim “down hill.” This technology put us right on top of the water and probably higher than ever before. For decades in swimming, the best have been emphasizing that increasing the power or the FORCE in swimming is the pathway to success. But in the blink of an eye, the suit did not change stroke technique, improve fitness, or make anyone stronger or more powerful. It was a passive device that went along for the ride. The tech suits simply reduced the drag by most accounts from 2 to 3 percent. Even in the face of the biggest short-term performance improvements in swimming history, I was continually surprised to read the same basic dialog and debate about increasing the FORCE or power as the main pathway to improved performance.

Just as new technology changed the configuration of swimsuits, a similar configuration change can be made that will improve swimming technique. Velocity Meter/Video Telemetry was used in the early development and measurement of high tech swimwear that dates back to the mid 1990’s. Today, it can be incorporated in the same manner to identify the drag characteristics in swimming technique. Being able to objectively observe that the instantaneous changes in velocity during one stroke cycle that can fluctuate sometimes 30 to 40 percent (see above) provides swimmers and coaches a clear picture for making more informed decisions. Specific phases of the stroke cycle once identified can easily be transferred everyday at practice to objectively design training strategies aimed at the weaknesses in our swimming technique. Just having the knowledge of exactly where the drag phases occur during a stroke cycle without guessing is a first important step. This technology presents a microscopic view of swimming technique because the measurement process collects velocity telemetry at 1,000 data points a second that is significantly higher than the human eye is capable of sensing.

Therefore, if you feel like you are continually trying to FORCE your way down the pool, you might consider working with the individuals that developed the methodology used in reducing the drag in tech suits, and begin working on reducing the drag in your swimming technique. Not only can you go to the pool with a new swimsuit, but a new swimming stroke as well! We helped swimming suit companies using this technology achieve optimal results by reducing the drag, so why not accomplish the same goal by reducing the drag in your swimming technique?

It is a simple plan that stars with working harder in the right direction!



Budd - TeamTermin Sports Performance

Fishing Around For Better Swimming Technique Analysis?

“Unfortunately, there appears to be more longitudinal research data available regarding the swimming proficiencies of various fish species than long term data following large numbers of randomized human swimmers.” This is a quote from a January blog post on The Athlete Village web site titled “Improved Swimming Performance Utilizing Video Analysis” by Coach Abigail. Having been involved in swimming for many years, and especially in swimming research, unfortunately, this is one of the most insightful statements about the sport of swimming you will find on any web site. Because until very recently, the ease of capturing digital video into a computer, and the advent of video web sites, where this medium could be shared to the masses, was not an easy task. Until recently, swimming stroke technique analysis has always been a bit of an art form. It was reserved for those that seemed to possess a special insightful visual power of observation, driven by a unique vocabulary of terms and catch phrases that almost made it mystical in nature. While we mere mortals often deferred to these people for information, these soothsayers still exist in our sport, using that same belief system and are now imparting their beliefs all over the internet.

In keeping with Coach Abigail’s statement about fish research, it made me think, that every now and then, even I get a new rod and reel, and change the line, but does it mean that I will catch more fish? And so all over the web, many have jumped on the underwater video analysis band wagon or the DVD of the latest greatest swimmer is now on sale. Swimming traditionally has always been a bit of a copy cat sport, that many have capitalized on, but unfortunately whether your looking from the surface or underwater, it’s still virtually the same basic belief system being used that has surrounded stroke technique assessment. Using subjective terms, do all those basic analogies we always hear, actually happen when we swim through the water? Can someone actually just visualize the phases of the swimming stroke that really generate the most propulsive force, and at that moment, know exactly how fast I am really going? Can even a swimmer in the water actually “feel” when maximum velocity is achieved during a stroke cycle? Well, for the most part, you probably can by recycling that same belief system and applying it with underwater video. That’s because up until now, objectively measuring swimming proficiency or technique was really hard to do, took a lot of work, and typically required a laboratory environment.

Freestyle Velocity Meter/Video Telemetry from TeamTermin Sports Performance on Vimeo.

So, with all that said, how about checking out my new rod and reel! It’s called Velocity Meter/Video Telemetry, and is a cross between underwater digital video, combined with high speed velocity telemetry. We refer to it as “Hybrid Video”, because it captures underwater digital video that streams directly into the computer, and at the same time, high speed instantaneous velocity telemetry also streams into the computer, where both signals are synchronized into one file for immediate playback. When I play back the file, I can see exactly where and in what phase of the stroke cycle create propulsive velocity, and the phases that don't produce anything. Front, back or somewhere in between and by the way, after almost 20 years of collecting this type of telemetry, every swimmer is really different. It takes 1000 data points of velocity telemetry a second, to actually reveal the very subtle velocity excursions positive or negative, during one stroke cycle. And with fluctuations in velocity of more than 40 per cent, sometimes in less than three tenths of a second, really makes me wonder if that belief system with just regular vision, above or below the surface, can really sense all this variance in velocity. Best of all, it is also very portable, and has been gaining popularity on many pool decks, around the world, so no need for that laboratory anymore!

Is your swimming technique ready for a new rod and reel? If so, the only thing we promise, is that you will never look at your swimming, quite the same way ever again!

Budd - http://www.teamtermin.com/

Changing the Face of Swimming Technique Analysis – Part II - Stroke Frequency/Velocity Graphs

In the last blog, “Changing The Face of Swimming Technique Analysis – Velocity Meter/Video Telemetry”, I described technology now available that gives a swimmer or coach an instantaneous true view of the accelerations and decelerations of the swimming stroke. The most important feature of this technology is the instantaneous feedback swimmers and coaches receive, since everything is collected and can be replayed in real time right at poolside. After a testing session, everyone can go to practice, knowing exactly where the drag or decelerations occur in every stroke cycle, and start to devise methods to optimize the pattern. No more subjective guesswork or “theories” that simple observation alone provides. However, there is another really beneficial tool from this testing, that provides coaches a technique tool that can be used everyday at practice, using a basic stopwatch.


The tool is called a “Stroke Frequency/Velocity Graph”, and can be output from the Velocity Meter/Video telemetry. The swimmer performs a series of trials starting with slow speeds, progressing to as fast as the swimmer can go. The data is graphed yielding the optimal relationship of swimming speed to stroke frequency/tempo for that swimmer. For you math majors, you will notice that the fit of data produced an r-squared value of .9955 which means statistically, this is a highly reliable relationship, and the individualized nature of the graph can not be understated. In the following, we will demonstrate the sensitivity of this graph, and a sampling of the practical application of its use.

The Stroke Graph below is freestyle collected a couple of months ago on a Master’s swimmer that holds several world records. This graph represents the stroke rate/tempo (x-axis - bottom) and swimming time for one lap of a 25 yard pool (y-axis - vertical) for this swimmer. The solid blue line with the solid blue dots represents the swimmers “regular stroke technique.”

In addition to the basic test, this swimmer wanted to experiment with different techniques to see what effect it might have on velocity, compared to the “regular stroke technique.” The legend on the right defines the changes in technique we tried. All of these individual trials were conducted at top speed, and some were repeated a number of times to ensure the techniques were properly executed. These trials are plotted individually using different colors, to demonstrate how they compared to the regular technique.

For coaches, this information is extremely powerful because once the “regular technique line” has been constructed, experimenting with different stroke techniques can now be objectively compared, using a basic stopwatch. In addition, daily training can be constructed to rehearse the optimal stroke rate/tempo and lap time desired for competition. Depending on the race distance and pace desired, the best stroke rate/tempo can be pre-determined. Data points that fall below the line represent technique that is not beneficial, while any data points at or above the line represent a potential beneficial change. The sensitivity to changes in stroke technique using this graph is clearly demonstrated, by how the individual changes in technique fared against the regular technique line.

In this swimmers case, the optimal frequency that yielded the best swimming time consistently fell between 50 and 60 strokes cycles per minute. Even though the individual data points visually do not look far from the line, it is important to understand that the frequency number represents that stroke technique between 50 to 60 times for every minute of swimming, so the cumulative effect of even small deficiencies is significant. This reinforces graphically how subtle changes in swimming technique can affect performance, either positively or negatively, but in any case, the experimental changes were objectively defined.

This description is really an overview of the potential benefits using these graphs in daily practice. This particular swimmer has written an insightful detailed analysis on his web site. I have included a link to the site for those interested in reading more in-depth on how this type of technology can be used to make objective decisions, that can equate into real performance gains without guessing.
http://www.theraceclub.net/aqua-notes/a-lesson-learned/#more-1735

As usual, should you have any questions or would like to learn more, you can always contact me through the website: http://www.teamtermin.com/

Looking forward to testing your technique soon…

Budd

Changing the Face of Swimming Stroke Technique Analysis

Last weekend I had the pleasure of working with some great swimmers and coaches from nearby Pennsylvania. On Saturday, we had a great video/technique session with swimmers from Wyoming Valley West High School, Hazelton High School, and Abington Heights High School. The session was sponsored by Wyoming Valley West and Coach Frank Tribendis. On Sunday, we worked with two swimmers from the Diplomat Swim Club that trains at Franklin and Marshall College, and Coach Jim Yeingst. It was a really fun and thoughtful weekend of learning about how stroke technique can improve performance in conjunction with the instantaneous feedback derived from using our Velocity Meter/Video Telemetry Technology.

In basic terms, and in a very short period of time we were able to show all of these swimmers some important concepts about swimming technique. First and foremost, the Velocity Meter Telemetry clearly demonstrated that even swimmers of equal ability have very different technique patterns, and to optimize, each need very individualized coaching methods. We were also able to identify after a few trials the optimal stroke rate these swimmers should be using to attain the best speed, for their stroke and events. In almost every case we found the swimmers used a stroke rate lower than was optimal. Armed with this new information, their coaches can now design workouts to address and enhance these findings.

Probably the most important finding of the weekend we were able to measure, was after the feet lose contact with the wall. Many swimmers today are taught to stay underwater, but we demonstrated that extended time underwater typically has them breaking out at speeds far below what they can swim on top. Right on the pool deck, we were able to define the optimal distance where their regular swimming speed and the speed generated from their underwater techniques from the wall intersect. While that optimal distance was different for each person, it was far shorter from where the swimmers initially tested, when asked to perform their typical technique. We were able to give the coaches objective information about the time or distance from the wall for each person for use at practice and meets.

Our goal is to continue to spread the word of truth about swimming technique, using the most sensitive swimming technique technology in the world today. If you want to join the growing army of forward thinking swimmers and coaches, contact us, because we promise, you will never look at your swimming the same way ever again.

Happy Holidays

Budd

Velocity Meter/Video Swimming Technique Telemetry

In today’s world, telemetry is used in many business and sports applications to objectively measure performance.  For example, in auto racing, advances in telemetry are now widely used by crew chiefs to fine tune the handling or performance of a car using devices that output objective performance data.  Gone are the days where the crew chief puts his head under the roof of the car, to improve engine performance by simply listening to the sound of the engine.  

One sport that has lagged behind some of these advances has been competitive swimming, for obvious reasons.  Most of the real action occurs underwater, and until recently, equipment needed for underwater observation was not easy to use or convenient to acquire. Even from the side of the pool deck, many subtleties of the sport are not readily apparent to the observer.  Underwater video has dramatically revealed that even the technique of how one touches the wall, can mean the difference in winning Olympic gold.  Really only recently with web sites like YouTube, have main stream swimmers and coaches been able to view swimming from this new perspective.  But how many times can you look at another persons technique, and be confident you are able to replicate that in practice?  The real question is what does your technique look like, and what effective changes will really equate to improvement?  There are as many theories about that subject as video clips found on the web.  View any swimming discussion group and you know what I mean.

However, some of that has now changed, and access to crystal clear underwater images can only fix obvious flaws, because the subtle changes in velocity associated with changes in stroke technique is still somewhat subjective.  A device called a “Velocity Meter” can now be integrated and synchronized with underwater video, that adds a new layer of truth about swimming technique.  I have been personally using such a device for more than 20 years, and have thousands of files on individuals of every level and age.  And the truth, because of the sensitivity of the velocity telemetry, creates a transparent picture of swimming technique. Now portions of technique that accelerate or decelerate the body are now more clearly defined.  No matter what your level, this velocity telemetry (shown above with the red line) clearly point the way for improvement, because it is very specific to each individual.  Swimmers and coaches can now go to practice armed with the same information on what parts of a stroke need attention, and an effective training plan can be created.  Repeated testing over time also reveals if real change in technique in a positive manner is being accomplished.

The good news is this Velocity Meter/Video telemetry is now available to teams or individuals, and is reasonably priced. Since the Rome World Championships, a number of world ranked swimmers and two elite training centers have had this testing conducted, and are incorporating the findings into their training program.  More specific information about this telemetry and arrangements can be found at the following web address.  http://www.teamtermin.com  

Swimsuit Technology
Where did all this improvement Really come from?

Over the last year, there has been much dialog about the vast improvements in swimming times starting a year before the Beijing Games with world records falling faster than the snow here in Buffalo. Then the Olympics produced even more records with some of the fastest and deepest fields in history. The newest generation of swimsuit technology has certainly received the bulk of attention. During the Games, some have pointed to the “Water Cube” the deepest and widest pool yet, absorbing all those waves. This entire dialog makes sense that improvements in suit technology and the increased volume of the pool would reduce the turbulence and help improve performances during the Olympics.

However, I believe inadvertently, all this attention to suit technology has quietly revealed a key component that sports scientists have been clamoring about for years. Simply put, the importance of swimming technique on performance. Let me explain. Forever, we were always led to believe to swim faster, we had to increase the power or be bigger and stronger or swim tens of thousands of yards….right? Well if that were true, how does changing ones swimming suit increase power? Of course it doesn’t, but even the small increments of reduced drag these suits allegedly produce, are what many have called “dramatic” performance effects like we have never seen before. And please, don’t use the “suits are buoyant” or any of the other arguments I been reading about lately. I have been an insider on swimsuit testing and technology since 1996, and have been part of testing many different suit configurations and fabrics from a number of the leading swim suit manufacturers, and most of these claims are simply not true.

This dialog about buoyancy and the like deflects what this technology clearly has demonstrated. Even small changes in reducing the drag, resulted in significant improvements in performance for swimming. I believe the technical component of swimming is the most underrated reason why times continue to improve, and has been really ignored in lieu of increasing the power or volume of training. So all these years, was it really increased power/strength that fueled improvement, or some other effect that somehow continued to reduce the drag as swimming times dropped. We know for sure that improved technique reduces the metabolic cost of swimming, so for all you obsessed with horsepower, even better metabolic performance from the engine. Swim suit technology testing has revealed as velocity increases, so does the drag incurred by the swimmer, by a factor of four. Like it or not, overcoming drag is and always has been the major obstacle to going faster.

So imagine if swimmers and coaches began to really measure swimming technique, like the swim suit companies measure reduction in drag, instead of just eye-balling technique. And speaking of eye-balling technique, I also believe in this vein of improving swimming technique, another important technology has emerged that will really drive swimming improvements for years to come. In the last 4 years, there has been a unique situation emerge in swimming unlike any other 4 year cycle, and it has to do with video technology. In particular, underwater video has permeated our sport, and web sites like YouTube have meets from all over the world posted almost minutes after it happens. In the last 4 years, more and more underwater video has been accessible for viewing. For years, the only coaches that really had access to underwater video were those that had a swimmer at the top level. For years we listened to others tell us what the best in swimming looked liked from underwater. It’s even possible now using this public video forum, to download and do measurements from this video. And best of all, this new view of swimming has really demonstrated that swimming technique, even among the best is as unique as a fingerprint. Gone are the days of having to rely on the opinion of others, I can see for myself. And if I’m motivated enough, I can measure it for myself. Over the last 4 years, I believe swimmers and coaches have used this new view to rethink the importance of swimming technique, and this new view and emphasis has contributed greatly to the recent assault on the record books.

So . . was it really increased power . . or reduced drag from improved techniques?

Only your LZR swimsuit knows for sure…