It seems that critical velocity and critical stroke rate are associated with aerobic performance. The aim of this study was to analyse the changes of critical velocity and critical stroke rate during 12 weeks of training in a group of young competitive swimmers. Fourteen age group male swimmers took part in this investigation. The evaluation took place in two different trials. The first one was conducted at the beginning of the season and the second one after 12 weeks of training. For each subject the critical velocity and the critical stroke rate were determined in both trials. The main result was that critical velocity increased, whereas critical stroke rate decreased between the first and second trials. It seems that technical ability was improved during the 12 weeks of training. The swimmers were able to perform at the same physiological intensity at higher velocities and with less stroke rate.Swimming evaluation it`s the most appropriate procedure to analyze the development of a swimmer since age group swimming. The training control provides tools to prescribe intensities and volumes of training, but also assesses the improvement of each swimmer throughout that prescription. In the season 2007/2008 Leiria` Swimming Association had 419 swimmers competing by 13 Swimming Clubs. A selection process through 3 different stages was taken and evaluations were processed according to the swimmer development.
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