A LOOK AT GLIDING AND UNDERWATER KICKING IN THE SWIM TURN

Abstract

A series of studies were conducted to examine hydrodynamic drag throughout the gliding and stroke preparation phases of the freestyle tumble turn. The first study examined the effects of velocity and depth on the passive drag forces and demonstrated that significant drag reduction benefits were found with the swimmers performing glides underwater when compared to gliding at the water surface. The second study sought to establish the appropriate velocity for initiating underwater kicking, as well as the most efficient gliding position and kicking technique. The results indicate that swimmers should initiate underwater kicking at between 1.9 and 2.2 ms-1. No significant differences were found between two streamline glide positions, and similarly, between three underwater kicking styles. The results of these studies present strategies for reducing the drag forces experienced by swimmers throughout the freestyle turn.