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Comparative Study
. 2020 May 1;19(2):397-407.
eCollection 2020 Jun.

Comparison of the Start, Turn and Finish Performance of Elite Swimmers in 100 m and 200 m Races

Daniel A Marinho  1   2 , Tiago M Barbosa  2   3 , Henrique P Neiva  1   2 , António J Silva  2   4 , Jorge E Morais  2   3
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Comparison of the Start, Turn and Finish Performance of Elite Swimmers in 100 m and 200 m Races

Daniel A Marinho et al. J Sports Sci Med. .

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to compare the start, turn, and finish performance of 100 m and 200 m events in the four swimming strokes in elite swimmers of both sexes. The performances of all 128 finalists (64 males and 64 females) of the 100 m, and 200 m events at a major championship were analyzed. A set of variables related to the start, turn, and finish were assessed. In the start a significant and moderate race effect was verified in both sexes (100 m vs 200 m). It was highest in butterfly events (males: Δ = 9.81%, p = 0.046, η2 = 0.60; females: Δ = 7.96%, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.75). In the turn a significant and moderate-strong race effect was verified in all strokes in both sexes, the highest being in butterfly (males: Δ = 12.26%, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.93; females: Δ = 10.74%, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.92). The finish had a significant and moderate race effect in butterfly and in breaststroke (females). The underwater variables were found to be the main contributors to a faster start. Over the turn, key determinants were the surface variables. As for the finish, mixed results were observed. It can be suggested that the underwater profile was the main determinant in starting, whereas the surface profile was the main determinant in turning. Therefore, coaches are advised to focus on such race phases to enhance the total race time.

Keywords: Swimming; analysis; performance; technique.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Males start and finish variables comparison between the 100 m and 200 m races (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). White background represents the 200 m races, and grey background the 100 m races (bars represent the 95% confidence interval). Δ – relative difference; * – significant differences (p < 0.05); (2) – minimum effect size; (3) – moderate effect size; (4) – strong effect size. White background represents the 200 m races, and grey background the 100 m races (bars represent the 95% confidence interval). Δ – relative difference; * – significant differences (p < 0.05); (2) – minimum effect size; (3) – moderate effect size; (4) – strong effect size.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Females start and finish variables comparison between the 100 m and 200 m races (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). White background represents the 200 m races, and grey background the 100 m races (bars represent the 95% confidence interval). Δ – relative difference; * – significant differences (p < 0.05); (2) – minimum effect size; (3) – moderate effect size; (4) – strong effect size. White background represents the 200 m races, and grey background the 100 m races (bars represent the 95% confidence interval). Δ – relative difference; * – significant differences (p < 0.05); (2) – minimum effect size; (3) – moderate effect size; (4) – strong effect size.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Males turn variables comparison between the 100 m and 200 m races (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). White background represents the 200 m races, and grey background the 100 m races (bars represent the 95% confidence interval). Δ – relative difference; * – significant differences (p < 0.05); (2) – minimum effect size; (3) – moderate effect size; (4) – strong effect size.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Females turn variables comparison between the 100 m and 200 m races (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). White background represents the 200 m races, and grey background the 100 m races (bars represent the 95% confidence interval). Δ – relative difference; * – significant differences (p < 0.05); (2) – minimum effect size; (3) – moderate effect size; (4) – strong effect size.
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