Entry For Skills--Competitive Swimming--March 07

Entry For Skills
Swimming Training For March

Participants: Thomas

Overview:
- Techniques of plunging
- Perfection of somersaults

Venue: Geylang East Swimming Complex (Mon)
Chinese Swimming Club (Wed)

Date: 5/3, 8/3, 12/3, 15/3, 19/3, 22/3, 26/3, 29/3

Hours Completed: 16 hrs

As a start for trainings, we did several stretching exercises before entering the pool. Next, we would proceed to the pool to have our warm-ups which is around 16 laps of the pool. The main purpose of this was to allow us to familiarize ourselves with the environment, which is the pool. In competitive swimming, one important factor that would give one an edge in a race would be the initial plunge into the pool. Thus, the coach had decided to allocate at least half a month of training to perfect our plunging technique. For a start, we practised without the jump board. We had to plunge into the pool from the edge of the pool. A good plunge would allow one to surge forward underwater for a longer distance, thus giving an edge over other competitors. When a swimmer plunges into the pool, he would have to stretch his hands all the way, forming a pointer above the head. This ensures that the swimmer is able to break through the water surface with ease. In order to prevent the goggles from being knocked off by the impact, the swimmer would also have to tuck his head in, as close to the neck as possible. Next, one would have to push against the edge of the pool and plunge forward. The swimmer should not feel any pain around the abdomen due to the impact. Another important determinant in competitive swimming is the perfection of the somersault at the end of a lap. A good somersault would allow the swimmer to have an advantage over others as no time is wasted in turning around at the end of a lap. The coach gave us some tips. One important note would be to take great notice at the T-shape at the end of the pool. When approaching the end of the pool, one would begin to slow down and execute a somersault in the water. The timing must be perfect. Executing it too late would mean crashing into the wall while too early would mean not being able to kick off the wall at full force, hence losing out to other competitors.