FORCE AND TIME ANALYSIS OF BACKSTROKE TO BREASTSTROKE TURNS

Abstract

Two AMTI underwater force platforms were used to measure force and time of three different backstroke to breaststroke turns during a simulated Individual Medley (IM). The mean ground reaction force for the open turn, bucket turn, and cross over turn were 192.4 ±34.7 N, 202.4 ±53.2N, and 178.2 ±42.2N respectively. The mean times from hand touching to feet leaving were respectively; 417.7±77.0ms, 378.5 ±59.5ms, and 455.8 ±106.7ms. There were no differences in the force (p >0.05), but there was a significant difference in the time (p<0.05) of the bucket turn compared to the other two turns. Athletes should become comfortable with several turns, but specifically the bucket turn because it takes less time than the others tested without compromising GRF.