Relationship between Stroking Parameters and Leg Movement Quantity in 100 Metre Front Crawl

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between stroking technique parameters and leg kick quantity in 100 m front crawl swim. Ten New South Wales Sydney Metropolitan swimmers were examined (14.1 ± 1.09 years). The investigation was performed during 100 meter swimming (average speed 1.35 ± .04 [m.s-1]) commencing from water at 50 m outdoor pool. Stroke length (SL), Stroke rate (SR), Swim velocity (SV), Leg Kick Quantity (LKQ) were measured. Arm stroking parameters and LKQ were analysed during segments of the 100m distance. The relationship between SR and LKQ was negative. The correlation between stroke length and leg kick quantity was statistically significant r = .96, and p = .05. Leg Kick quantity influenced stroke length. This study shows that swimming front crawl with a significant leg kick quantity (LKQ) such as a six beat kick, induces a longer stroke length (SL) and therefore improved arm stroke efficiency.