{"id":437900,"date":"2020-07-03T18:00:35","date_gmt":"2020-07-04T01:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=437900"},"modified":"2020-07-07T14:21:48","modified_gmt":"2020-07-07T21:21:48","slug":"tempo-and-rhythm-a-swimmers-secret-weapons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/tempo-and-rhythm-a-swimmers-secret-weapons\/","title":{"rendered":"Tempo and Rhythm: A Swimmer’s Secret Weapons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tempo and Rhythm: A Swimmer’s Secret Weapons<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are countless combinations of sets and drills that help swimmers enhance their overall training and performance. We can focus on a single aspect of our swim such as pulling, kicking, or breathing. Yet, have you ever thought of focusing on your tempo, rhythm or timing specifically? We might think of these as synonyms, but the reality is that they are three different concepts that simply go hand in hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tempo, Rhythm and Timing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Oxford English Dictionary defines tempo<\/a> as the \u201c<\/span>The rate of motion or activity (<\/span>of<\/span><\/i> someone or something),\u201d and rhythm<\/a> itself as \u201c<\/span>senses relating to a regular repeated pattern of sound or movement.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Considering the official meaning of these terms, former <\/span>biomechanic doctor<\/span> Genadijus Sokolovas<\/b>\u00a0defines tempo in swimming as “the number of stroke cycles per minute” and rhythm as “relative to the stroke technique”, such as the butterfly rhythm that i<\/span>ncludes one pull and two kicks. <\/span><\/p>\n

Regarding timing, the Oxford\u2019s definition<\/a> says that it is<\/span> \u201cthe performance of an action at, or according to, a specific time, and related senses.\u201d <\/span>Sokolovas says it is related to the breathing pattern, relative to the kick or stroke rate. \u201c<\/span>For example, what is the best timing of breath in freestyle? Should swimmers start head rotation for the breathing at the beginning or in the middle of the stroke? That relates to timing,\u201d explains Sokolovas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Importance\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"freestyle-tempo\"

Photo Courtesy: Moises Gainza<\/p><\/div>\n

Tempo and rhythm are directly proportional. <\/span>Finding an adequate tempo creates an <\/span>optimal rhythm, which is achieved by having an appropriate timing of the body’s actions. However, <\/span>the optimal tempo doesn\u2019t necessarily have to be the maximum stroke rate. While moving at a fast pace, elite swimmers can keep a similar tempo throughout their races. They can also hold a lower tempo with a longer distance per stroke (dps). On the other hand, less experienced swimmers often start with a very high tempo at the beginning of their race, losing tempo in the middle and sometimes regaining tempo at the end of the race. \u201cKeeping the same tempo during the race and even during each lap is a more energy-efficient way to race,\u201d says Sokolovas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is important for swimmers and coaches to focus on what works better for each athlete depending on the length of their swim, height, and level.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Factors that Affect Tempo<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tempo is key in all four strokes and distances, yet there are specific elements that pertain to each stroke. According to Sokolovas, these are the most important:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n