S5 - تخصص رياضة فردية: سباحة
Résumé de section
-
The swimming techniques addressed in this chapter are very closely linked to the requirements of the task namely, moving as fast as possible in accordance with regulations and the individual’s capabilities (anatomical, energetic, motivational, etc.).
Thus, unlike style (which represents an individual response), the “correct” technique does not exist in absolute terms. It can only exist in relation to the demands of the task and the swimmer’s capabilities. Whether the swimmer is relaxed, highly motivated, or under stress, the technique used cannot be the same. It is therefore inappropriate to attempt to formalize or reproduce a technique that is very unlikely to be fully suited to every situation or every swimmer.
However, the modeling of technique, based on sound biomechanical knowledge, makes it possible to position a performance in relation to constants derived in particular from the field of high-level performance. This notion of modeling must be understood in its broadest sense. The definition of a model should not be accepted as something that serves or must serve as an object of imitation, but rather as a simplified representation of a process.
This modeling of technique is justified as a system of simplification, as a concrete representation of scientific laws, as a means of objectifying the constants of motor responses adapted to given tasks, and finally as a set of explicit reference points allowing the positioning of any corresponding behavior.
If our objective is to provide a scientific contribution, it is precisely to allow a better understanding of techniques adapted to different swimming strokes, their evolution, and any potential discrepancies between what might appear logical and concrete reality. Indeed, in our view, in order to intervene in a technique, one must first be capable of analyzing it in a sufficiently precise and objective manner.
Concept of Technique
The term technique, derived from the Greek tekhnikos, from tekhnê, meaning art, refers to the set of procedures and practical means specific to an activity (Dictionary definition).
Technique is individual experience, depersonalized, transmitted, and accumulated; it is a way of doing that is separated from the reasons for doing, an act stripped of its motives (Fabre, cited by Catteau & Garoff, 1986, p. 139).
Sporting technique refers to the procedures generally developed through practice in order to solve, in the most rational and economical way, a specific motor problem. The technique of a sporting discipline corresponds to a succession of ideal motor coordinations which, while preserving their gestural characteristics, may undergo modifications allowing adaptation to the characteristics of individual personality or personal style (Weineck, 1997, p. 417).
Body technique corresponds to the set of transmissible means implemented by humans in order to perform a given motor task as efficiently as possible (Vigarello & Vives, 1983, p. 45).
Course Objectives
General Objectives
By the end of these four courses, students will be able to:
- Understand the biomechanical, physiological, and technical foundations of competitive swimming strokes
- Analyze swimming techniques using scientific and observational criteria
- Master the technical execution of the four competitive strokes according to international regulations
- Identify common technical errors and propose appropriate corrective exercises
- Apply principles of coordination, propulsion, resistance reduction, and breathing
- Integrate swimming techniques into teaching, coaching, and performance contexts
- Develop critical thinking based on scientific literature in swimming sciences
Specific Objectives by Stroke
Front Crawl (Freestyle)
Students will be able to:
- Describe and perform efficient body alignment and streamlining
- Analyze arm propulsion phases and flutter kick mechanics
- Coordinate breathing with arm and leg actions
- Apply hydrodynamic principles to minimize drag
- Teach front crawl technique at beginner and intermediate levels
Students will be able to:
- Maintain stable horizontal body position in supine swimming
- Execute symmetrical arm actions with continuous propulsion
- Coordinate backstroke kick with arm recovery
- Control breathing rhythm without visual reference
- Identify postural and coordination errors specific to backstroke
Breaststroke
Students will be able to:
- Understand the simultaneous and cyclic nature of breaststroke movements
- Analyze the propulsive phases of the arm pull and leg kick
- Respect official rules governing breaststroke technique
- Optimize glide phases and stroke timing
- Teach breaststroke progression from basic to advanced levels
Students will be able to:
- Explain body undulation and dolphin kick mechanics
- Analyze arm propulsion phases and aerial recovery
- Coordinate two leg kicks per arm cycle
- Integrate breathing without disrupting propulsion
- Identify muscular involvement and energy demands specific to butterfly
Evaluation Methods
Evaluation is conducted according to continuous assessment principles and aligns with the LMD system.
Evaluation Components
Component
Description
Weight
Written Examination
Theoretical knowledge: biomechanics, technique, rules, terminology
40%
Practical Assessment
Technical execution of the four strokes
30%
Continuous Assessment
Attendance, participation, drills, skill progression
20%
Mini-Project / Assignment
Technical analysis, video analysis, or teaching plan
10%
Evaluation Criteria
- Accuracy of technical execution
- Quality of coordination and timing
- Respect of swimming regulations (FINA rules)
- Ability to analyze and correct technique
- Use of appropriate scientific terminology
Recommended Bibliography
Arellano, R., Brown, P., Cappaert, J., & Nelson, R. (1994). Analysis of 50 , 100, and 200 m freestyle swimmers at the 1992 olympic games. Journal of applied biomechanics(10), pp. 189-199.
Boullé-Giammatteï, B. (2010). Mon année de natation. paris: Amphora.
Catteau, R., & Garoff, G. (1986). L'enseignement de la natation. Paris: Vigot.
Chatard. (1998). Natation biomécanique. sport et vie(8), pp. 35-37.
Chollet, D. (1997). Natation sportive approche scientifique. Vigot.
Costill, D. L., Maglischo, E. W., & Richardson, A. B. (1994). La natation. Paris: Vigot.
Counsilman, J. (1977). La natation: les techniques. Paris: Chiron Sport.
Counsilman, J. (1986). La natation de compétition. (J. Robin, & C. Dubois, Trads.) Paris: Vigot.
Hines, E. (2000). Natation 60 exercices et programmes. Paris: Vigot.
Lacoste, L., & Semerjian, M. (1998). La natation: la technique, la pratique, la compétition. Toulouse: Milan.
Maglischo, E. W. (2003). Swimming fastest. Champaign: Human Kinetics.
Maglisho, E. (1982). Swimming faster. San Francisco, Mayfield publishing McLeod, I. (2012). Natation Anatomie et mouvements. Paris: Vigot. Pedroletti, M. (2009). De l'apprentissage aux jeux olympiques. Paris: Amphora.
Pedrolletti, M. (2000). Les fondamentaux de la natation initiation et perfectionnement pour tous. Paris: Amphora.
Pelayo, P., Maillard, D., Rozier, D., & Cholet, D. (2000). Natation au collège et au lycée. Paris: Revue EPS.
Potdevin, F., & Pelayo, P. (2012). Manuel de natation. Paris: Amphora.
Refuggi, R., & Chifflet, P. (1998). Nager en crawl : évaluation de la compétence technique des élèves. Revue internationale S.T.A.P.S(45), pp. 71-79.
Salo, D., & Riewald, S. A. (2008). Complete conditioning for swimming. Champaign: Human Kinetics.
Scelles, M., Deleaval, P., & Martinez, R. (1987). Natation sportive. Dossiers techniques, F.F.N, Clamecy.
Schmitt, P. (1997). Nager de la découverte à la performance. Paris: Vigot.
Seifert, L., & Chollet, D. (2007). Approche dynamique des coordinations. Revue E.P.S(328), pp. 53-59.
Seners, P., & Millet, C. (2003). Réaliser une performance mesurée à une échéance donnée (Vol. I). Paris: Vigot.
Verger, M. (1993). Perfectionnement et entraînement en natation sportive. Paris: Vigot.
Rules and Regulations
- World Aquatics (FINA). (Latest edition). Swimming Rules and Regulations.
- Fédération Internationale de Natation. Official Swimming Technical Rules.