INVESTIGATION OF COACH RATINGS OF TECHNIQUE AND FORCE-TIME PROFILES IN ELITE MALE FRONT CRAWL SPRINT SWIMMERS

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between assisted towing method (ATM) force-time profiles and coach ratings of front crawl technique. Nine elite male swimmers completed the ATM sprint swimming protocol to obtain active drag and propulsion values. Six coaches each rated overall technique from video footage and technique at each of four stroke events (entry, pull, push, and exit) from images captured throughout the ATM trials. Mean coach technique rating scores were then correlated against four performance measures (FINA point score, 100 m performance best time, active drag value and propulsion value). Results demonstrated weak to strong relationships between the ratings and performance variables for each stroke event.