Performance analysis and evaluation of freestyle swimmers

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the kinematic parameters of the kick start phase and 50 m freestyle swimming performance and vertical jump test results in swimmers. The study was designed within the correlational research model. The sample of the research consisted of a total of 56 swimmers (37 males, 19 females) with at least three years of licensed sports background. Athletes' height, body weight, and vertical jump values were measured according to protocol. The flight time, flight distance, and entry velocity parameters of the kick start performance were obtained by analyzing images recorded with an action camera using Kinovea software. The 50 m freestyle times achieved by swimmers in official competitions were used as performance indicators. The findings revealed that in male swimmers, height and body weight variables showed significant positive correlations with vertical jump, flight distance, and entry velocity; and significant negative correlations with 50 m freestyle time. Additionally, a significant negative correlation was found between vertical jump value and 50 m swimming time. Negative correlations were determined between flight time and entry velocity, and between flight distance and 50 m time. In female swimmers, a significant negative correlation was found between height and 50 m freestyle performance. Furthermore, in female athletes, positive correlations were detected between flight time and flight distance, while highly negative correlations were found between flight time and entry velocity. In gender comparisons, significant differences were determined in favor of male swimmers in all anthropometric and performance variables except entry velocity. In conclusion, height, body weight, vertical jump performance, and flight distance during the kick start phase were associated with 50 m freestyle performance in male swimmers, whereas only height was associated with performance in female swimmers. Based on these findings, it is recommended that training programs aimed at improving short-distance swimming performance should prioritize practices targeting explosive strength development and kick start technique.