This chapter deals with the way morphology influences performance and mechanics of swimming. Performance in swimming is influenced by size. A taller swimmer will generally swim faster. Larger propelling sizes better the propelling efficiency and lower the stroke rate - creating a more energy efficient mode of swimming. Drag is influenced by size: a taller swimmer will create less wave resistance at the same speed, and the tall swimmer will have a greater potential for maximal velocity due to a higher hull speed. Pressure drag is directly influenced by the projected cross sectional area which increases drag. During a swimming race, a taller swimmer will have a shorter true race distance due to turning and finishing actions with their center of mass further away from the pool wall. Sprinters are larger than long distance specialists, freestyle specialists are often larger than breaststrokers and the best swimmers are often taller and bigger than the rest. There is little to do with the genetics of one individual, however coaches should guide the young athletes to make the most out of ones pre determined morphology. The guiding towards specialization of strokes or distances should have the scientific evidences presented in this chapter in mind.
© Copyright 2012 World book of swimming: From science to performance. Published by Nova Science Publishers. All rights reserved.