Introduction to Swimming - Lecture Note

Relevance of the Topic

Swimming is more than just a sport; it is a life practice. Mastering this skill not only provides safety in aquatic environments but also is an excellent physical activity option, bringing benefits to the cardiovascular system and strengthening a wide variety of muscle groups.

As an integral part of the Physical Education curriculum, swimming is a discipline that fosters competitiveness, cooperation, respect, and overcoming limits. Moreover, it is an inclusive sport that can be practiced by all ages and physical abilities.

Contextualization

Swimming is one of the pillars of Physical Education, which encompasses a variety of disciplines and activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In the curriculum context, swimming contributes to the development of physical fitness and motor skills, balancing the cognitive and practical components of teaching.

Positioning ourselves in the educational scenario, Swimming is found in a block of classes focused on Aquatic Sports and Their Modalities. Within this didactic sequence, we study the basic constituents of swimming, including the four main styles, rules, and safety techniques. These elements are the foundation for further deepening in the subject and the effective practice of the sport.

Understanding these aspects will allow, in the future, the exploration of more advanced topics, such as competitive swimming, specific training for each style, breathing strategies, and swimming turns. Therefore, the integration of all these topics is essential in the Physical Education study plan.

In summary, Swimming is not just an isolated block in the curriculum, but rather a link that unites various concepts and competencies, contributing to the student's integral formation.

Theoretical Development

Components of Swimming

• Swimming Styles: Each swimming style (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly) features particular techniques that vary the use of the upper and lower limbs, breathing, and body position. Mastering these styles is essential to becoming a versatile swimmer.

  • Freestyle: Also known as "free style", it is characterized by the continuous alternation of the arms. It is the fastest and most efficient style for swimming long distances.
  • Backstroke: The swimmer remains on their back in the water, alternating the movement of the arms in a circular motion. It is considered the safest style, as it allows the swimmer to breathe freely.
  • Breaststroke: A slower swim, where the swimmer remains facing forward in the water and performs a synchronized movement of "pull, breathe, and kick".
  • Butterfly: The most challenging style, combines simultaneous movements of the arms and legs with the need for strict breathing control.

• Turning Techniques: Turns in swimming (flips) are fundamental for efficiency and speed. Each style has its specific technique, which involves the correct synchronization of the movements of the upper and lower limbs.

  • Freestyle Turn: The freestyle turn, known as "flip turn", works through a rotational body movement combined with a strong leg kick and the projection of the hands against the wall.
  • Backstroke Turn: Unlike other styles, the backstroke turn does not involve contact with the wall. The swimmer performs a continuous 180-degree turn to resume swimming in the opposite direction.
  • Breaststroke and Butterfly Turn: In these styles, the turning technique is known as "canelada", where the swimmer uses the leg movement to propel themselves and change direction.

Key Terms

• Cycling: Term used to describe the continuous and uniform movement of the arms and legs during swimming. In each stroke and leg kick, the swimmer performs a cycle.

• Lateral Breathing: In freestyle swimming, the lateral breathing technique refers to the act of tilting the head to the side during the stroke to inhale, minimizing the interruption of the swim.

• Gliding: Gliding occurs immediately after each cycle of stroke and leg kick. During the glide, the swimmer seeks to maximize their speed while maintaining the least resistance possible.

Examples and Cases

• Phelps and the Butterfly: Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps is famous for his exceptional ability in the butterfly style. His secret? A perfect combination of wide and powerful strokes, rhythmic leg kicks, and strategically timed breathing.

• Flip Turns in Swimming: In swimming competitions, turns are crucial moments. Being agile and precise in turns, swimmers have the opportunity to gain a significant advantage over their competitors.

• Swimrun: A new and exciting endurance sport, swimrun combines open water swimming with running. Participants alternate between the two, and the ability to smoothly transition between swimming and running is key to performance in the sport.

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points

• Versatility of Swimming Styles: Swimming consists of four main styles, each with its particularities and contributions to physical development. Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly are fundamental for the initial practice of the sport, and mastering their techniques is crucial for the swimmer's evolution.

• Swimming Movements: In each swimming style, the swimmer performs a combination of arm, leg, and torso movements, known as "cycling". This continuous cycle of movement is what propels the swimmer through the water.

• Safety and Efficiency Techniques: In addition to swimming efficacy, swimming also teaches aquatic safety techniques, such as lateral breathing. Moreover, understanding and practicing turning techniques are crucial for efficiency and speed during swimming.

• In Competition or in Life: The techniques and skills learned in swimming have practical applications in a variety of environments, from competitions to rescue and survival situations. Swimming is, therefore, a lifelong sport.

Conclusions

• Swimming is a sport of deep and diverse skills. Moreover, it offers significant physical, mental, and social benefits.

• Each swimming style has its own techniques, movements, and advantages. The swimmer must learn and master all of them to become complete and versatile.

• The techniques and concepts learned in swimming have practical application in a variety of contexts, going beyond competition and recreational exercise.

Exercises

1. Identify the Style: Given a video of swimmers in motion, identify the swimming style each one is practicing. Explain the physical aspects that help differentiate the styles.

2. Describe a Turning Technique: Choose a swimming style and describe, step by step, how the turning technique should be performed. Include the movements of the arms, legs, and body, as well as the correct position of the swimmer in relation to the wall or the end of the pool.

3. Create a Practical Case: Develop a fictional scenario that illustrates the practical application of a swimming technique outside the training environment. For example, how could a swimmer use the turning technique in a water rescue situation? Share your reflection.