Stroke Frequency/Tempo-Velocity

Distance Per Stroke Relationships

Increase Your Propelling Efficiency

Race With Confidence Using the Correct Stroke Frequency

Exported directly from our Velocity Meter/Video Telemetry, swim your next race with the confidence using the correct stroke frequency/tempo. In addition, this Stroke Graph can be used in conjunction with any swimming metronome, and will make your next practice the most productive yet! Racing at the ideal stroke frequency is vital for conserving energy, no matter what the stroke or distance, but is particularly useful for open water swimmers and triathletes.

All swimmers achieve their velocity from technique in distinctly different ways, and those differences are as unique as a fingerprint. Because of those differences, even the amount of force most believed separated good from elite swimmers, using modern measuring techniques, is now up for debate. Never guess again what the correct stroke frequency is for your next race.

It has been proven that developing good stroke technique habits early in a swimmers career is very beneficial as a swimmer matures. The optimization of these parameters have shown to produce constant improvement in all ages of swimmers. In the practical application of this information, workouts are developed in conjunction with this information to let swimmers simulate race conditions. This allows the swimmers to practice the various components necessary to improve their individual performances. Whether you train alone, or with a coach, using one of our stroke graphs will consistently let you check if your stroke is improving.

This particular test originated here in Buffalo, NY where it was further developed and refined. The relationship between stroke frequency (tempo) and velocity were first discovered and researched at the University at Buffalo by professors Dr. David Pendergast and Dr. Al Craig. (University of Rochester) These relationships were later confirmed by an analysis of the 1976 and 1984 Olympic Trials conducted by Dr. Al Craig. It was revealed that for all strokes and distances, the mean difference in stroking characteristics was almost 10% percent between those that finished in the top three verses those that finished 4th through 8th. Since then, various studies on the technique of swimming have revealed that swimmers with superior technique actually exert less force and have lower drag in the water then less skilled swimmers. In addition, the energy cost associated with swimming using superior or improved technique is reduced.

Next, Craig and Pendergast defined the relationships that exist between stroke frequency,(tempo) distance per stroke, and it’s effect on velocity. These two studies served as the baseline for modern stroke technique measurement, and race analysis. These two investigations clearly demonstrate the technical components of elite swimmers in competition. It also demonstrates the differences that exist even in elite swimmers, and how the velocity is generated using technique.