NOTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF STROKE RATE, STROKE LENGTH AND SWIMMING VELOCITY IN MALES AND FEMALES 100M BUTTERFLY

Abstract

The aims of this study were to gather reliable and valid information that could determine the optimal values of stroke rates, stroke lengths and swimming velocities swimmers should achieve in order to attain faster times within 100m butterfly. The purpose of this study was to analyse County standard males and females stroke rates, stroke lengths and swimming velocity during a 100 metre butterfly event to then compare these variables to an international level swimmer. The final of the Males and Females 14/15 years 100m butterfly from the National Inter County Championships 2006 was used to record both males and females stroke rates, stroke lengths and swimming velocities achieved per length. Stroke lengths, stroke rates and swimming velocities were also collected from two international swimmers (Evgeny Korotyshkin the Men’s European Short Course 100 metre Butterfly Record Holder and Jessicah Schipper the Women’s World Short Course Record Holder for 100m Butterfly). Significant differences between the stroke rates, stroke lengths and swimming velocities were conducted. Results revealed that consistent stroke rate results in an improved performance and influence swimming performance further than stroke length. Also velocity does not greatly influence a swimmer’s performance over a 100m butterfly, it is the turns and underwater kicks off the turns that influences swimming performance.