Crawl Sprint Research Articles

The relationship between maximal lactate accumulation rate and sprint performance parameters in male competitive swimmers

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the maximal lactate accumulation rate (ċLamax) and sprint performance parameters in male competitive swimmers. Seventeen male competitive swimmers volunteered to perform a 20 m maximal front crawl sprint without pushing off the wall from a floating position. ċLamax was determined by the 20-m sprint time and blood lactate measured before and after the 20 m sprint. For the sprint performance parameter, a 50 m time trial with the front crawl swimming stroke was conducted, and the times taken from 0 to 15 m, 15–25 m, 25–35 m, and 35–45 m were analyzed. A semi-tethered swimming test was conducted to investigate the load-velocity profile of each swimmer. From the load-velocity profile, theoretical maximal velocity (V0), maximal load (L0) and relative maximal load (rL0) were examined. The slope of the load-velocity profile was also determined. According to the results, ċLamax correlated with 50 m front crawl performance (r = −.546, p < .05). Moreover, a higher ċLamax was related to faster 0–35 m section time. Furthermore, ċLamax correlated with L0 (r = .837, p < .01), rL0 (r = .820, p < .01), and load-velocity slope (r = .804, p < .01). ċLamax is a good indicator of 50 m front crawl performance in male swimmers, and higher glycolytic power contributes to the faster time at the beginning of the sprint race. ċLamax could also evaluate the ability of a swimmer to apply force to the water during high-intensity swimming.

Effects of aerobic and anaerobic training on freedivers' performance.

Freediving is a sport that could be defined as both aerobic and anaerobic. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of aerobic-anaerobic training on the performance of moderate and elite freedivers. The sample of participants included 26 freedivers (9 females) (average age of 26.62±3.34 years, body height of 178.95±9.19 cm, and body mass of 74.64±11.97 kg). The sample of variables included: anthropometric indices, relative maximal oxygen consumption (rVO<inf>2max</inf>), Diving anaerobic sprint test (DAST), Swimming anaerobic sprint test (SAST), 100-meter crawl sprint test (100 m), maximal dynamic apnea with monofin (DYN), maximal swimming length for 2 minutes (2 min). The study procedure included a 5-month aerobic-anaerobic training intervention. This intervention was conducted during a 4-phase (5-week each) training period. The results showed that moderate group showed a significant decrease in 100 m (final 83.94±15.68; initial 88.29±16.73; P<0.00), DAST<inf>max</inf> (final 10.91±1.46; initial 12.01±1.38; P<0.00), DAST (final 70.29±8.95; initial 79.40±10.25; P<0.00), SAST<inf>max</inf> (final 16.81±2.24; initial 18.01±2.69; P<0.00), SAST(final 112.87±19.19; initial 122.65±21.55; P<0.00), and increase in 2 min (final 140.56±21.53; initial 128.68±19.33; P<0.00), and DYN (final 130.48±26.89; initial 91.65; P<0.00). Similarly, the elite group experienced a decrease in 100 m (final 72.18±9.77; initial 75.00±11.36; P=0.02), DAST<inf>max</inf> (final 10.14±0.95; initial 10.88±0.99; P=0.03), DAST (final 65.55±6.50; initial 71.24±7.32; P=0.02), SAST<inf>max</inf> (final 14.82±1.84; initial 15.76±1.80; P=0.03), and increase in DYN (final 194.94±27.70; initial 161.11±27.70; P<0.00). The results of this study demonstrate that dynamic apnea, as a main performance factor, had increase in all phases of procedure, with highest increase during anaerobic phases.

Acute effects of dryland muscular endurance and maximum strength training on sprint swimming performance in young swimmers

ABSTRACT The study examined acute effects of dryland muscular endurance (ME) and maximum strength (MS) sessions on performance, physiological, and biomechanical variables during a subsequent sprint swimming session. Twenty-seven swimmers (16.5 ± 2.6 yrs) completed three experimental conditions including: i) ME, 55% of 1-repetition maximum, ii) MS, 90% of 1-repetition maximum, and iii) control (CON, no dry-land). Twenty minutes following ME, MS and CON sessions swimmers performed a 10-s tethered swimming sprint, four by 50-m (4 × 50-m), and a 100-m front crawl sprints. Performance time, blood lactate, heart rate (HR), stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), stroke index (SI), and stroke efficiency (ηF) were measured during 4 × 50-m and 100-m. Hand grip strength (HG), and shoulder muscles isometric strength (ISO) were measured after each session. Mean 4 × 50-m time increased in ME compared to CON by 1.7 ± 2.7% (p = 0.01), while 100-m time was similar among conditions (p > 0.05). ISO was lower after dry-land training in all conditions (p = 0.01). Tethered force, HG, HR, SR, SL, SI, and ηF were no different between conditions (p > 0.05). Dryland ME session decrease swimming performance; however, ME and MS sessions did not affect technical ability during a subsequent maximum intensity swimming.

Reliability of a semi-tethered front crawl sprint performance test in adolescent swimmers.

This study aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability of a sprint performance test with semi-tethered front crawl swimming to indirectly assess the current potential to perform at maximal anaerobic effort in adolescent swimmers. Eight adolescent swimmers participated in this study (gender: females (n = 4) aged 13.0 ± 0.8 years, body height 1.6 ± 0.0m, body mass 50.1 ± 4.5kg; and males (n = 4) aged 13.3 ± 1.3 years, body height 1.7 ± 0.1m, body mass 59.0 ± 8.2kg. The testing protocol consisted of two trials of 25m semi-tethered front crawl swimming with maximal effort and with 1kg resisted isotonic load. Velocity data were recorded automatically by the 1080 Sprint device for 15m (between 3m and 18m). The Fast Fourier Transform algorithm filtered raw instantaneous swimming velocity data in distance (time) function. A third-degree polynomial was used to extract the individual velocity profile, from which the following variables were chosen for test-retest reliability and the assessment of sprint performance: ttrial15, vmax, vmin, tvto max, tvat max, Dto vmax, Dat vmax, fatigue index. Parameters such as vmax, vmin, and ttrial15 were estimated from swimming velocity profiles and considered as reliable. The CV showed low variance <5%; while ICC2,1 demonstrated respectively good (ICC2,1: 0.88), very good (ICC2,1: 0.95), and excellent (ICC2,1: 0.98) rate of relative reliability; and the Bland-Altman index revealed an acceptable agreement (LoA ≤5%) between two measurements. The sprint performance test based on semi-tethered front crawl swimming confirmed that ttrial15, vmax, and vmin were reliable variables to indirectly indicate a potential to perform the maximal anaerobic effort among adolescent swimmers. The evaluation of the swimming velocity profiles allows coaches to monitor the adaptive changes of performance during the training process.

Dry-Land Force-Velocity, Power-Velocity, and Swimming-Specific Force Relation to Single and Repeated Sprint Swimming Performance.

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between dry-land and in-water strength with performance and kinematic variables in short-distance, middle-distance, and repeated sprint swimming. Fifteen competitive swimmers applied a bench press exercise to measure maximum strength (MS), maximum power (P), strength corresponding to P (F@P), maximum velocity (MV), and velocity corresponding to P (V@P) using F-V and P-V relationships. On a following day, swimmers performed a 10 s tethered swimming sprint (TF), and impulse was measured (IMP). On three separate days, swimmers performed (i) 50 and 100 m, (ii) 200 and 400 m, and (iii) 4 × 50 m front crawl sprint tests. Performance time (T), arm stroke rate (SR), arm stroke length (SL), and arm stroke index (SI) were calculated in all tests. Performance in short- and middle-distance tests and in 4 × 50 m training sets were related to dry-land MS, P, TF, and IMP (r = 0.51-0.83; p < 0.05). MS, P, and TF were related to SR in 50 m and SI in 50 and 100 m (r = 0.55-0.71; p < 0.05). A combination of dry-land P and in-water TF variables explains 80% of the 50 m performance time variation. Bench press power and tethered swimming force correlate with performance in short- and middle-distance tests and repeated sprint swimming.

Delayed Effect of Dry-Land Strength Training Sessions on Swimming Performance.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of dry-land strength endurance (SE) and maximum strength (MS) sessions on next-day swimming performance. Eight swimmers (age: 18.6 ± 2.9 years) performed evening training sessions (19:00-19:40), including: (i) SE (2 × 15 - 20 repetitions, 50% of 1-RM), (ii) MS (2 × 5 repetitions, 90% of 1-RM), (iii) control (CON: no dry-land training). All sessions were followed by a 90-min swimming training (20:00-21:30). Medicine ball throw and countermovement jump, free countermovement jump and squat jump were evaluated before and after the dry-land training session and 12 h later, before a 100-m front crawl sprint (next day at 8:30 a.m.). Performance time, RPE, blood lactate and biomechanical variables in 100-m sprint were no different between conditions (time, MS: 64.70 ± 7.35, SE: 63.81 ± 7.29, CON: 64.52 ± 7.71 s, p > 0.05). Jump height was not changed before and after dry-land and before the 100-m sprint in all conditions (p > 0.05). Medicine ball throw was lower in MS compared to CON before the 100-m sprint (MS: 4.44 ± 1.11, vs. CON: 4.66 ± 1.21 m, p < 0.05). Upper-body but not lower- body muscle function may be affected by MS training. However, performance in a 100-m test is not affected by dry-land training performed 12 h earlier.

Swimming sprint performance depends on upper/lower limbs strength and swimmers level

ABSTRACT Swimming performance is likely influenced by strength, but differences between butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and front crawl, as well as between novice and expert swimmers, are unclear. We have examined the associations between sprint performances, upper and lower limb strength, and anthropometric characteristics in 14 (six males and eight females) non-elite and 16 (nine males and seven females) elite-level swimmers. After an anthropometric characterisation, participants performed four 25 m maximal swims (one per technique) with 10 min intervals, right and left shoulder flexion/extension isokinetic testing at 90 and 300º/s angular velocities and three countermovement jumps. Pearson correlation analysis showed that sprint times were moderate–largely negatively correlated with upper and lower limb strength and power (r ± 95%CI = 0.39 ± 0.26–0.77 ± 0.13, p < 0.05). Elite swimmers higher strength levels were associated with longer stroke length in butterfly and front crawl, and with higher stroke rate in backstroke and breaststroke (r ± 95%CI = 0.37 ± 0.32–0.68 ± 0.21; p < 0.05). Butterfly, backstroke and front crawl sprint times were moderate–largely negatively related with arm span (r ± 95%CI = 0.37 ± 0.26, 0.39 ± 0.25 and 0.69 ± 0.17, p < 0.05). The predictive model indicated that higher dry-land strength values distinguished elite from non-elite swimmers (r2 = 0.67–0.81; p < 0.001). This association was not observed per performance level and per sex, confirming that sprint swimming performance levels can be differentiated by dry-land strength testing.

Effects of Dryland Training During the COVID-19 Lockdown Period on Swimming Performance.

To examine the effect of dryland training during an 11-week lockdown period due to COVID-19 on swimming performance. Twelve competitive swimmers performed 50- and 300-m maximum-effort tests in their preferred stroke and 200-, 400-, and four 50-m front crawl sprints (4 × 50m) before and after the lockdown period. Critical speed as an index of aerobic endurance was calculated using (1)50-, 300-, and (2)200-, 400-m tests. Blood lactate concentration was measured after the 400- and 4 × 50-m tests. To evaluate strength-related abilities, the dryland tests included handgrip and shoulder isometric strength. Tethered swimming force was measured during a 10-second sprint. During the lockdown period, dryland training was applied, and the session rating of perceived exertion training (sRPE) load was recorded daily. sRPE training load during the lockdown was decreased by 78% (16%), and critical speed was reduced 4.7% to 4.9% compared to prelockdown period (P < .05). Performance time in 200, 300, and 400m deteriorated 2.6% to 3.9% (P < .05), while it remained unaltered in 4 × 50- and 50-m tests (P > .05). Tethered force increased 9% (10%) (P < .01), but handgrip and shoulder isometric force remained unaltered (P > .05). Blood lactate concentration decreased 19% (21%) after the 400-m test and was unchanged following the 4 × 50-m tests (P > .05). Performance deterioration in the 200, 300, and 400m indicates reduced aerobic fitness and impaired technical ability, while strength and repeated-sprint ability were maintained. When a long abstention from swimming training is forced, dryland training may facilitate preservation in short-distance but not middle-distance swimming performance.

The Effect of a Coordinative Training in Young Swimmers' Performance.

This study investigated the effects of a coordinative in-water training. Total 26 young swimmers (16 boys) were divided in a training group (that performed two sets of 6 × 25-m front crawl, with manipulated speed and stroke frequency, two/week for eight weeks) and a control group. At the beginning and end of the training period, swimmers performed 50-m front crawl sprints recorded by seven land and six underwater Qualisys cameras. A linear mixed model regression was applied to investigate the training effects adjusted for sex. Differences between sex were registered in terms of speed, stroke length, and stroke index, highlighting that an adjustment for sex should be made in the subsequent analysis. Between moments, differences were noticed in coordinative variables (higher time spent in anti-phase and push, and lower out-of-phase and recovery for training group) and differences between sex were noticed in performance (stroke length and stroke index). Interactions (group * time) were found for the continuous relative phase, speed, stroke length, and stroke index. The sessions exerted a greater (indirect) influence on performance than on coordinative variables, thus, more sessions may be needed for a better understanding of coordinative changes since our swimmers, although not experts, are no longer in the early learning stages.

Comparison of muscle activity during swimming and on the Biokinetic simulator

Introduction: The aim of the study is to evaluate the coordination similarity ratio of involvement of selected muscles (m. pectoralis major; m. latissimus dorsi; m. obliquus externus abdominis; m. triceps brachii) during the crawl swimming cycle as a target movement with imitation movement act. The research set comprised 16 elite swimmers specializing in crawl sprint tracks. Methods: The key research method was surface electromyographic analysis synchronized with video recording. The study was based on a quantitative description of electromyographic recordings of the observed movement acts. The research study has the character of an intra-individual and inter-individual comparative analysis of the coordination characteristics of the movement system. This is a sequential triangulation of a quantitative-qualitative approach and an intragroup case study with an experimental way of obtaining data. Results: Muscle activation of selected muscles during the crawl did not show a significant difference in effect size compared to the imitation movements on the Biokinetic swimming simulator.

Effect of a short ischaemic preconditioning protocol on 100-m front crawl performance

PurposeThe aim of our study was to analyse the effect of a single-cycle ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) protocol on performance in the 100-m front crawl swimming modality.MethodsOverall, 16 swimmers were recruited: 8 female athletes (12.9 ± 0.88 years) and 8 male athletes (13.1 ± 0.88 years). In a randomized crossover design, all participants performed a 100-m front crawl sprint preceded by an IPC or placebo cycle. In the IPC trial, a pneumatic cuff was attached to the proximal thigh and was inflated at a pressure equivalent to 80% of arterial occlusion and remained inflated for 5 min (ischaemia); in the placebo trial, the cuff remained inflated for the same amount of time, but at low external pressure levels (20 mm Hg). The volunteers started the test 5 min after cuff pressure release (reperfusion).ResultsIt was not possible to verify significant differences within the time (seconds) required to complete the test between the IPC and placebo interventions (75.68 ± 7.2 and 75.75 ± 8.1 s, respectively; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.916).ConclusionsTherefore, we can conclude that the tested IPC protocol does not seem to be sufficient to provide performance improvement in 100-m front crawl in young athletes.

Underwater flutter kicking causes deceleration in start and turn segments of front crawl

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the deceleration effect of flutter kicking after dolphin kicking before commencing the stroke at swimmer’s emersion. Eight male competitive swimmers (age 19.6 ± 1.2 years; Fédération Internationale de Natation points 733.6 ± 57.5) performed 15 m front crawl sprints from wall push-off three times in a row, with two types of underwater kicks [dolphin kick only (dolphin condition) and dolphin kick followed by flutter kick (dolphin-flutter condition)]. Sprint bouts were divided into four phases. Phases 1 and 2 were defined, respectively, as the fourth and fifth dolphin kicks. Phase 3 was defined as the first stroke (dolphin condition) and six beats of the flutter kicking (dolphin-flutter condition). Phase 4 was defined as the second stroke (dolphin condition) and the first stroke (dolphin-flutter condition). Two-way repeated measured analysis of variance on mean swimming velocities demonstrated an interaction of condition and phase (p < 0.001) and a simple main effect (p < 0.001) at Phase 3. These results indicated greater deceleration due to adding the flutter kick after the dolphin kick before commencing the stroke. Swimmers should use only the underwater dolphin kick before commencing the front crawl in start and turn segments.

Overall indexes of coordination in front crawl swimming

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to propose a group of parameters able to quantify not only arm coordination but also inter limb coordination. These include the well know index of coordination with the relative duration of the stroke phases and two new parameters: the Index of synchronization (Ids) between arms and legs actions; and the Index of inter limb coordination (IdIC) calculated as the relative foot position during successive arm stroke phases. These parameters were compared between experts and amateur swimmers in a maximal front crawl sprint. The influence of arm stroke in leg kick parameters was also assessed, comparing the full stroke condition with a condition without arms actions. Sixty-five per cent of expert swimmers used synchronized limb actions while 95% of amateur swimmers used non-synchronized limb motions. These synchronized expert swimmers also converged towards a specific coordination pattern between foot position and arm stroke phases. In the condition without arms, both groups changed kick rate and amplitude. The present study reveals the interdependency of arms and legs actions and the importance of coordination and synchronization between limbs. Therefore, the proposed group of overall indexes of coordination provides a more complete marker for the analysis of swimming technique.

Variability of upper body kinematics in a highly constrained task – sprint swimming

Before examining the effect of changing constraints on skill adaptation, it is useful to know the tolerable variability of a movement pattern for optimal performance. Tolerable variability may vary throughout the period of task performance as some parts of the movement pattern may be more important than others. The purpose of this study was to quantify the inter-trial variability of performance variables, and hand path as the task-relevant parameter, of skilled front crawl swimmers during 25 m sprints. It was hypothesised that the wrist paths would have smaller inter-trial variability during the below water phase than during the above water phase. Twelve skilled swimmers performed four 25 m front crawl sprints which were recorded by six phased locked video cameras for three-dimensional analysis. Standard deviations and time series repeatability (R 2) of the right and left wrist displacement were determined. On average, swimmers varied their sprint speed between trials by <1.5%. The spatio-temporal patterns of wrist paths varied by <3 cm in all directions (horizontal, vertical & lateral). There was no significant difference in inter-trial variability between above and below water phases. Swimmers increased wrist path consistency at the critical events of water entry in the horizontal and lateral directions and at exit for the horizontal direction. This study established levels of variability in spatio-temporal movement patterns of the paths of the wrist in sprint swimming and provided evidence that swimmers minimise variability for key events, in this case, the position of the wrists at water entry and exit.

Relationship between anthropometry and stroking parameters of front crawl sprint performance in young swimmers

BACKGROUND The aim of this work was to study the relationship between anthropometry and stroking parameters of front crawl sprint performance in young swimmers. METHODS Forty swimmers (12.2 +/- 0.5 years) volunteered to participate. Anthropometric measures included height (H), body mass, Body Mass Index, arm span (AS), skinfold thickness and the ratio of AS to H. To avoid fatigue effects, each swimmer performed without diving a 25- meter swim using the front crawl stroke. Swim velocity, stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI) were calculated from video analysis. RESULTS Swim velocity was correlated to mass, H, AS, AS/H ratio, SR, SI, and SL. The SL was correlated to SI, mass, H, AS, and BMI. No correlation was found between the SR and the anthropometric measures. SI was correlated to all the anthropometric measures except the percent body fat (estimated). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates clearly the relationship between anthropometric and stroking parameters of young front crawl sprint swimmers and confirms the importance of considering specific stroke technical aspects and somatic traits when trying to predict success in young swimmers.

Differences in swimming smoothness between elite and non-elite swimmers

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to investigate whether jerk cost (JC) can discriminate between swimming levels. Nine elite and nine non-elite swimmers swam a 50-m front-crawl sprint wearing a 3D accelerometer on their back between the inferior angles of the scapulae. Lap times and JC were calculated from the acceleration signal and compared between groups and between swimmers within a group. The elite swimmers swam significantly faster lap times than the non-elite swimmers (p < 0.001). They did so with significantly lower levels of JC compared to the non-elite swimmers (p = 0.005). Furthermore, a stepwise multiple linear regression showed JC accounted for 32.9% of the variation in lap time of the elite swimmers. These results indicate that it is possible to discriminate elite from non-elite swimmers using JC: elite swimmers swim with lower JCs than non-elite swimmers. Additionally, swimming at higher speed is associated with more accelerations and decelerations in both elite and non-elite swimmers, which is reflected by higher JCs and lower smoothness. In sum, JC provides an index of swimming technique that is easy to use in training practice.

The Influence of Upper- and Lower-Body Maximum Strength on Swim Block Start, Turn, and Overall Swim Performance in Sprint Swimming.

Keiner, M, Wirth, K, Fuhrmann, S, Kunz, M, Hartmann, H, and Haff, GG. The influence of upper- and lower-body maximum strength on swim block start, turn, and overall swim performance in sprint swimming. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2839-2845, 2021-Maximum strength and speed strength are 2 major factors that determine a swimmer's performance, including swim start and turn performance, which directly impacts overall swim sprint performance. Nevertheless, data regarding the relationship between swimming performance and maximum strength are not consistent. Specifically, there are minimal data examining the relationship between maximal strength levels, start and turn performances in the scientific literature. This study was designed to determine the relationship between strength and specific markers of swim performance. Therefore, 14 moderate trained swimmers (male; 17.5 ± 1.6 years; mass: 70.2 ± 4.8 kg; height: 181.9 ± 5.7 cm) were tested for maximum strength in back squat and bench press, squat and countermovement jump performance, tethered swimming and swim performance (50- and 100-m crawl sprint, where start and turn performances were also analyzed). A multiple regression analysis was performed using the maximum strength data as predictors of 15-m start performance and swimming power. Furthermore, bivariate Pearson correlation analyses were used to assess the relationship between the strength and power variables and the swim variables. Maximum strength in the bench press and squat explained 50-65% of the performance variance in swimming power and start performance and 45-62% of the performance variance in 50-/100-m swimming performance. The results of this study demonstrated that maximum strength of the upper and lower limbs and jump height were strongly related to sprint swim performance. Therefore, maximum strength in squat and bench press should be included in strength tests, and that swimmers should incorporate lower- and upper-body strength and power training into their training schedule.

Characteristics of complex joint motions in front-crawl sprint swimmers

Characteristics of complex joint motions in front-crawl sprint swimmers

Determination of a quantitative parameter to evaluate swimming technique based on the maximal tethered swimming test

The aim of this study was to propose a new force parameter, associated with swimmers’ technique and performance. Twelve swimmers performed five repetitions of 25 m sprint crawl and a tethered swimming test with maximal effort. The parameters calculated were: the mean swimming velocity for crawl sprint, the mean propulsive force of the tethered swimming test as well as an oscillation parameter calculated from force fluctuation. The oscillation parameter evaluates the force variation around the mean force during the tethered test as a measure of swimming technique. Two parameters showed significant correlations with swimming velocity: the mean force during the tethered swimming (r = 0.85) and the product of the mean force square root and the oscillation (r = 0.86). However, the intercept coefficient was significantly different from zero only for the mean force, suggesting that although the correlation coefficient of the parameters was similar, part of the mean velocity magnitude that was not associated with the mean force was associated with the product of the mean force square root and the oscillation. Thus, force fluctuation during tethered swimming can be used as a quantitative index of swimmers’ technique.

Upper limb kinematic differences between breathing and non-breathing conditions in front crawl sprint swimming

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the breathing action in front crawl (FC) sprint swimming affects the ipsilateral upper limb kinematics relative to a non-breathing stroke cycle (SC). Ten male competitive swimmers performed two 25m FC sprints: one breathing to their preferred side (Br) and one not breathing (NBr). Both swim trials were performed through a 6.75m3 calibrated space and recorded by six gen-locked JVC KY32 CCD cameras. A paired t-test was used to assess statistical differences between the trials, with a confidence level of p<0.05 accepted as significant. Swimmers were slower (3%) when breathing. Within the entry phase, swimmers had a slower COM horizontal velocity (3.3%), less shoulder flexion (8%), abduction (33%) and roll (4%) when breathing. The pull phase was longer in duration (14%) swimmers had a shallower hand path (11%), less shoulder abduction (11%), a slower hand vertical acceleration (30%) and slower centre of mass (COM) horizontal velocity (3%) when breathing. In the push phase, swimmers had a smaller elbow range of motion (ROM) (38%), faster backwards hand speed (25%) and faster hand vertical acceleration (33%) when breathing. Swimmers rolled their shoulders more (12%) in the recovery phase when breathing. This study confirms that swim performance is compromised by the inclusion of taking a breath in sprint FC swimming. It was proposed that swimmers aim to orient their ipsilateral shoulder into a stronger position by stretching and rolling the shoulders more in the entry phase whilst preparing to take a breath. Swimmers should focus on lengthening the push phase by extending the elbow more and not accelerating the hand too quickly upwards when preparing to inhale.