Strange terms that you will only hear near the swimming pool

There are terms in swimming that you will only hear when you are near a pool. Especially when competitive swimmers are having their training sessions. Some terms are new and some terms are funny to hear.

Lets talk about these terms and phrases

Stroke terms

First, we have the strokes. The names of the strokes are quite unique.

Freestyle or the front crawl is the first stroke that swimmers learn and it is held in most swimming events. The stroke with the frog-like kick is the breaststroke. Swimmers lying on their backs in the water while swimming is backstroke. The butterfly stroke gets its name from the graceful and fluid motion of a butterfly’s wings.

You can read the article on the four strokes of swimming and how to master them

The individual Medley or IM is when the swimmer is swimming a certain distance all four strokes in a single race.

Sometimes a swimmer is asked to use a part of the stroke during the practice session. Like the swimmer might be asked to do dolphin kicks with breast stroke arms.

Timings in swimming

Time is usually measured in seconds. When the coach reads out the time from his device he usually reads the numbers in seconds. Like 29.05 would mean 29 secs and 5 milliseconds

PB (Personal Best)

Have you heard a coach asking the swimmer, what is your PB?

This is the swimmer’s best time in a specific event. Every swimmer needs to know his or her personal best and the progress is measured based on your PB.

DQ (Disqualification)

DQ is used during a race or by a swim coach when a swimmer violates a technical rule during a race, resulting in their disqualification.

Split

The time it takes for a swimmer to complete a portion of a race, such as each lap in a multi-lap race. Swimmers and coaches are interested in their splits to determine how well they paced themselves during the race.

Swim training terms

These are the terms you would hear the swim coaches use to train and instruct swimmers. Swimmers should be quick enough to understand these terms and do as they are instructed.

Dryland

When swimmers exercise and train outside the pool, it is called dry land in swimming. It can include a lot of training activities like strength training, swim specific drills, and others

Warm up

A series of light exercises in water before a race or a practice session to prepare the body for more intense activity. The warm up starts as soon as the swimmers enter the pool.

All out

When the swim coach says “all out” in swim training, he is actually expecting the swimmer to give maximum effort and intensity during a specific set, drill or the race. Swimmers usually swim as fast and as hard as they can.

Pull

When the coach wants the swim to use their arms to the extent possible, they ask the swimmer to pull.

Kick

The swim coach usually shouts kick if he finds a swimmer is not usually his or her feet to the extent it should be. The swimmer should then kick harder and increase the frequency of his or her kicks.

Underwater kick

An underwater kick in swimming refers to the kicking technique performed beneath the surface of the water. This technique is used by swimmers in various strokes, particularly during the start and turns of races.

Interval

The time allocated for a specific swim or set, usually measured in seconds or minutes, with rest intervals in between.

Cool down

The cool down period is the final phase of practice and involves easy swimming and stretching to aid in recovery.

Easy

This means that the swimmer should swim easy. It might be in between two intense swim sessions or at the end of the training session.

Taper

The period before a major competition when swimmers reduce their training intensity to rest and recover before the event. This usually continues for a 3-5 days before the swim meet

Stroke count

The number of strokes a swimmer needs to take to complete a length of the pool.

Pacing

he strategy of managing speed and energy throughout a race or training set.

Lactic

Understanding and managing lactic acid buildup is essential for swimmers aiming to improve their performance and endurance in races, especially in events that require bursts of speed and power.

Go Change

This indicates the end of the training session. In India, most of the swim coaches ask the swimmer to change to indicate the end of the training session. The swimmers usually come out of the pool then.

Parts of the pool

“Start from the shallow end” you would hear the swim coach saying.

The shallow end and deep end of the pool is important to know so that you do not dive from the wrong side.

Be aware of the lane during the lap training. Know about the start blocks, the touchpad, and the backstroke mark.

Have an estimate of the 10m, 15m and 25m of the pool.

Know where the pace clock is.

Swim equipment

The swim equipment is an essential part of the training and all swimmers should understand how to use them when instructed by the swim coach.

Paddle, fins, pull buoy and kickboard are common swimming equipment that is needed for training.

How does a swimming practice session look like?

Warm-Up

Swimmers start with a warm-up to prepare their bodies for more intense exercise. This often includes light swimming, stretching, and mobility exercises.

The warm-up helps increase blood flow to muscles and reduces the risk of injury.

Drills and Technique Work

Coaches often include drills and technique work to improve swimmers’ strokes. These drills isolate specific aspects of each stroke, such as arm movement, body position, or kicking technique.

Technique work is essential for refining form and efficiency in the water.

Main Set

The main set is the heart of the practice and focuses on building endurance, speed, and race-specific skills. Swimmers may perform various sets and intervals, which could include:

Distance sets: Swimming longer distances at a consistent pace.

Sprint sets: Swimming shorter distances at maximum effort.

Race-pace sets: Simulating race conditions and strategies.

Kicking Sets

Kicking sets are dedicated to improving swimmers’ leg strength and kicking technique.

These sets can include flutter kick, dolphin kick, or breaststroke kick, depending on the training focus.

Pulling Sets

Pulling sets involve using a pull buoy or paddles to isolate upper-body strength and improve arm technique.

Swimmers focus on arm movement and body rotation during these sets.

Race Pace and Speed Work

Swimmers often engage in sets that mimic race conditions and require them to swim at or near their maximum pace.

These sets help improve race strategy and conditioning.

Cool-Down

After the main part of the practice, swimmers engage in a cool-down period.

This typically involves easy swimming and stretching to help the body recover.

Feedback and Coaching

Throughout the practice, coaches provide feedback on technique, pacing, and performance.

Swimmers may receive individualized guidance to address specific areas for improvement.

Dryland Training (occasional)

Some swim programs incorporate dryland training sessions, which involve exercises performed outside the pool to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.

Team Bonding and Social Time (Occasional):

Depending on the swim team’s culture, there may be time for team bonding, socializing, or discussing upcoming events and competitions.

Feedback and Analysis

After practice, coaches may review performance data and provide swimmers with feedback and analysis to track progress and set goals.