200M FREESTYLE RACE STRATEGY

from USA Swimming

12/9/2013

BY RUSSELL MARK // NATIONAL TEAM HIGH PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT

The 200 free is the true ultimate middle-distance event – it requires both good distance per cycle and speed. You start the race with controlled speed and good stroke length. As the race progresses your muscles will fatigue and the distance per cycle will not be as long as when you’re fresh. Therefore, you must increase the tempo to achieve optimal speed later in the race.
This is reflected in the top 16 men and women used in this analysis. The tempo speeds up from the 2nd 50 to the 4th 50.

When increasing tempo, consider driving it from the kick speed. It is important not to get short and choppy with the stroke, but reduce glide time (i.e. the arm extension) or shorten the back-end of the stroke (finish). An aggressive arm entry in the forward direction, into a good catch is critical for the 200m free.

Holiday Wish List–IMPORTANT!!!!

Attention swimmers:  as you know, we participate in Amazon Rewards.  When your parents (or you) click on the banner on the blog or the team web-site, a portion of your purchase price is given back to Buckeye Swim Club.  Amazon sends a report of what was purchased – we can’t see WHO, only WHAT.

With the WHAT in mind, I hate to tell you that so far you’re all getting socks and underwear – well, one of you is getting a drill.  I would suggest you point your parents in the right direction (unless, of course, you really need new socks and underwear – then you’ll be happy).

You are often asked to show your parents how to do something on the computer so maybe you should start with showing them how to shop by clicking the banner over here ----------->