The primary goal of this chapter is to familiarize the readers with areas and results of research on strength training in swimming. Analysis of modern studies on relationship between different manifestations of strength and swimming performance demonstrates a high specificity of strength application in aquatic locomotion. This specificity requires adequate methods of strength training, which focus on utilization of strength developed in dry-land training in swimming motor patterns. Authors propose to use the values of pulling force and power recorded in tethered, semi-tethered swimming or acquired with the MAD-system as criteria of specific strength and reliable predictors of swimming performance. Materials of the chapter suggest that despite the growing value of aquatic strength training, dry-land training will remain an important form of supplementary preparation. At the same time the content and objectivcs of dry-land training are changing in accordance with demands of swimming sport. In this respect, contribution into competitive performance of the strength of stabilizing muscles and core body as well as efficiency of injury preventing strength training require further investigation. The chapter also contains recommendations on strength training for age group swimmers, methods of testing of strength and organization of research.
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