Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate individual relationships between the training loads and kinematics parameters in macro cycle period of the swimmers’ training program. Two experienced butterfly swimmers: male (age 18) and female (age 16) took part in the study. The training program was equal for both. The experiment consisted of swimming 25-m butterfly eight times (start every 1 min) with increasing speed in each successive repetition. The attempts were carried out five times, in 6-7-week intervals, between September 2006 and April 2007. The swimming technique was evaluated according to “Stroke Mechanics Test” by David Pyne. Each attempt was video-recorded. The analysis of the swimming technique revealed individual differentiations. The male swimmer consequently increased his maximal velocity and stroke rate. The correlation between the maximal velocity and accumulation of training volume was statistically significant (Pearson’s coefficient = 0.9394, p < 0.05). Stroke length decreased proportionally, while the highest stroke index value was achieved in the third attempt. In the female swimmer, values of maximal speed, stroke length and stroke index did not increase essentially in the whole experiment. The most advantageous proportions among kinematics parameters were observed in the third attempt, then these values decreased. Training loads applied to the examined subjects appeared to be effective only in the case of the male swimmer. The training program for the female athlete should have been changed after the third attempt. Butterfly-oriented technique exercises in lower intensity, individual medley and freestyle tasks would have been recommended in that case. Verf.-Referat