IMPROVING FEEDBACK ON SWIMMING TURNS AND STARTS EXPONENTIALLY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an objective method of quantifying velocity and estimating appropriate times of initiating the kick in turns and starts. A mathematical model based on an exponential function was fitted to the glide phase following push off from the wall in turns. The function was then extrapolated through the kicking phase and compared to the actual velocity to assess whether the timing of initiation of the kick was appropriate. It was concluded that this method was useful for analysis of swimmers and for feedback to swimmers and coaches on timing of the kick in turns. The method can also be applied to assess the timing of the kick following entry in a dive start.