what is the optimal differential between the first and second 50 on a 100 yard short course freestyle? The first 50 benefits from the dive and the relative freshness of the swimmer; the second 50 requires two turns and contending with lactate and fatigue.
Is it better to go all out and try to hold on, or save a little for the end?
Say you can swim an all-out 50 by itself at 25 seconds. How would you ideally swim the 100?
Example: 25.5 then 28.5 for 3 second differential and a 54.0
or 26.0 and 28 for a 2 second differential and a 54.
Which method do you think is best?
A lot of how you swim is dependent on what your strengths are and your training. Are you more of a 50-100 swimmer or 100-200+ swimmer?
If you look at what method is best, take a look at NCAA Division 1. At last year’s nationals the average 100 free of the top 50 swimmers was 43.55 with 50’s of 20.72 and 22.83 (difference of 2.11). The smallest difference was 1.36 and the largest was 3.37.
A lot of how you swim is dependent on what your strengths are and your training. Are you more of a 50-100 swimmer or 100-200+ swimmer?
If you look at what method is best, take a look at NCAA Division 1. At last year’s nationals the average 100 free of the top 50 swimmers was 43.55 with 50’s of 20.72 and 22.83 (difference of 2.11). The smallest difference was 1.36 and the largest was 3.37.
