ASCA Swimming Technique & Stroke Development 5

Question 1

What is 'active streamline' and how does it differ from a passive streamline?

Accepted Answer

Active streamline uses muscle engagement to squeeze arms and body tightly together, while passive relies on gravity alone

Answer

An active streamline requires deliberate muscle contraction to squeeze the arms, head, and body into the tightest possible position, minimizing frontal drag more effectively than a relaxed passive position.

Question 2

In competitive butterfly, what is the legal breathing pattern regarding breath frequency?

Accepted Answer

There is no restriction; swimmers may breathe as frequently or infrequently as they choose

Answer

There is no FINA/World Aquatics rule restricting how often a butterfly swimmer may breathe; breathing frequency is a tactical and physiological choice.

Question 3

What does 'stroke tempo' refer to and how is it measured in coaching?

Accepted Answer

The time in seconds for one complete arm stroke cycle, often measured with a stroke rate watch or counting strokes per minute

Answer

Stroke tempo is the rate of the arm stroke cycle, measured as cycles per minute or seconds per cycle, and is a key variable in optimizing swimming speed.

Question 4

Which anatomical structure is most commonly stressed in swimmers due to the overhead pulling motion and internal shoulder rotation in freestyle and butterfly?

Accepted Answer

Supraspinatus tendon of the rotator cuff

Answer

The supraspinatus tendon is frequently impinged or stressed in swimmers because of repetitive overhead pulling and internal rotation, leading to 'swimmer's shoulder.'

Question 5

A swimmer consistently drops their elbow during the freestyle pull, resulting in a 'sculling' or 'pawing' motion. What is the primary consequence?

Accepted Answer

Reduced propulsive force because the forearm and hand cannot push directly backward

Answer

A dropped elbow means the hand pushes downward rather than backward, losing the large forearm surface area needed for an effective catch and reducing overall propulsion.

(ASCA) American Swimming Coaches Association Swimming Certification Practice Test

(ASCA) American Swimming Coaches Association Swimming Certification Practice Test

ASCA Swimming Technique & Stroke Development 5