An Optimal Model for Swimming Technique with Cues to Accelerate Learning
The model for optimal swimming technique was developed from the most accurate information that is currently available, including the applicable principles of physics (biomechanics and hydrodynamics), experimental findings from several decades of research, and many thousands of trials of synchronized underwater video and hand force data.
Select Stroke
SwimCues displays four views (front, side, top, and bottom) of all four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle). The STROKES button displays a screen to select one of the four strokes
Swipe to Side to Change View
Swiping to the side changes the view: front, side, top, and bottom.
Select Skill
The SKILL button presents options to display cues for the head, arm, leg, as well as the arm or leg phase, and helpful notes. The cues are specific information that a swimmer can use to control his/her movements. The cues are worded in terms of the swimmer’s body parts and the position of those parts with respect to other body parts or with respect to the surface of the water. There are both visual cues (to see) and kinesthetic cues (to feel). A swimmer can master a single cue at a time to improve technique and swim faster. When the single frame advance button is clicked, the image changes, as well as the associated text (arm and leg phases; head, arm, and leg cues; or notes).
Play Video
The large video control button in the middle below the image has the standard options to play or pause. The smaller buttons to the left and right allow the user to step through the video frame by frame (forward or backward).
Suggestions for Use
Review an entire stroke cycle and see how the head, torso, and legs maintain positions that minimize resistance. The head cues will help you to achieve a position with minimal resistance. Next, step through the stroke cycle and note the arm phases and the transitions between arm phases. Then, note the cues for the arms at each transition. Use the cues at these “checkpoints” to begin to modify your technique. As permanency develops, add the cues for the frames within each phase.
Tracking Progress
Keep in mind that it takes weeks or even months to make a permanent change in technique, and that a permanent change is necessary before you will see an improvement in performance. Continually focusing on the cues, even when you are tired, will help you make the changes more quickly.
Select Science
SwimCues includes a SCIENCE button for stroke-specific links to the science/research supporting the technique elements and associated cues.
SwimCues is a trademark of Swimming Technology Research.
© 2005-2015 Swimming Technology Research, Inc. All rights reserved. The software may not be altered in any fashion without express written consent from Swimming Technology Research.