Technical and biomechanical training in swimming: The Sierra Nevada High Performance Centre Model

Abstract

Since the beginning of its activity, the Sports Performance Analysis Unit (UARD) of the Sierra Nevada High Performance Training Centre has developed protocols for technical analysis and training control that have been used by swimmers and coaches during their stays at the centre. Some of the work carried out in this department include: 50 m + Turn test (Arellano, Pardillo & García, 1999), Development of databases of technical items for correcting the swimming technique as well as the starts or the turns one, test for analysing the intracycle speed, Three-dimensional analysis of the strength and trajectory of the stroke, among others. The choice of one test or another is agreed with the coaches depending on how quickly they require the results, choosing methods that require data processing after the tests have been carried out or specific training sessions in which there is immediate feedback after each test. In either case, the results are managed and delivered through databases that allow the evolution of the swimmers to be compared throughout their stay at the centre or to compare their performance with other swimmers in the same speciality.