Swimming Tips

In a recent study, Chatard and Wilson (2003) investigated the metabolic and hydrodynamic effects resulting from different distances separating two swimmers. This article and very important for coaches and athletes, and because one of the few to provide empirical data on the best position to be adopted in tests of open water swimming or triathlon. Most of the evidence and tactics made based only on experience of the athletes, with many preferring to place himself heading away so you can swim in the waters ‘clean’. This fact often and easily influenced by the comfort of not engaging in ‘race for space’ which usually occurs in the first moments of the competition. The tactic of evidence must be considered carefully, since making a swim without the use of ‘vacuum’ apparently generates a significantly higher metabolic demand compared to swimming in a position of ‘vacuum’.

The study consisted of two investigations. The first was the comparison between four minutes of swimming (95% of the intensity corresponding best pace swum 1500m) with a swimming held in four positions behind the vacuum of a second swimmer (distances of 0, 50, 100 and 150cm *).

Later was measured the drag force generated on the swimmer (in the passive position) when towed and positioned at different distances (lateral and posterior * **) compared to a second swimmer.

The results showed that oxygen consumption, heart rate, blood lactate, perceived exertion (Borg scale) and rate of stroke decreased significantly as the distance of stroke increased significantly in all positions of vacuum (0, 50, 100 and 150cm ) compared with performance in position without vacuum.

The positions that generate less drag force were from 0 to 50cm (swimmer swimmer positioned behind the leader), down 21% and 20% respectively. In the lateral positions of 50cm and 100cm (distance measured from the hands of the leading swimmer) the drag was reduced by 6% and 7% respectively.

The authors concluded that the metabolic responses decreased in all positions (0 to 150 cm behind the leading swimmer), but the largest reductions occur at distances of 0 and 50cm (decreased metabolic expenditure by 11% -38%) compared with the distances 100 and 150cm (decrease of 8% -31%)

As for the lateral positioning, the authors concluded that the distances of 50 and 100cm generate better responses. In this position the athlete’s head is positioned at the waist of another swimmer.

This study produces empirical data to the swimming area, which generates benefits to the science of swimming training in open water and triathlon. This information can help in decision making at various points of evidence. For example, swimming alongside a swimmer at the same level throughout the stage of swimming does not show a consistent tactic. And always good to remember that metabolic economy and password for a better income. Therefore, the drag reduction and metabolic expenditure and of fundamental importance in making decisions about trial or just for swimming tactics.

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