The swim smooth guys have a new site at www.swimtypes.com that attempts to classify swimmers into six types. I found it interesting to try, and to see how the classification changed when I played around with the input values.
One of the things I found interesting was that they said their data show that people are somewhat polarized between sub 1:25/100m continuous pace for "smooth"/ideal swimmers and plus 1:25/100m "overgliders" and that fitness doesn't seem to be a big factor in dividing people across that time. Most people with good technique will be under 1:25 pace and very few swimmers with overglider technique problems will be able to get under 1:25. They use your 400m time as the input so if your time is under 5:40 you will be classified as smooth, much over that and you'll be classified as an overglider or swinger.
In any case I would be interested in seeing how other people classify and whether you agree with the classification.
After reading the descriptions, I would classify myself as Swinger. I meet most of the characteristics of Smooth as well, except that I have a 2-beat kick. After filling out their questionnaire, I was classified as Smooth with a little bit of Swinger. I have to agree with Alison that I don't like the Swinger picture. I also found it interesting that it asks in what length pool you swim, but still asks for a 400m time. Also I've only heard flip turns called tumble turns once before. The expression makes me think of a very inefficient turn.
After reading the descriptions, I would classify myself as Swinger. I meet most of the characteristics of Smooth as well, except that I have a 2-beat kick. After filling out their questionnaire, I was classified as Smooth with a little bit of Swinger. I have to agree with Alison that I don't like the Swinger picture. I also found it interesting that it asks in what length pool you swim, but still asks for a 400m time. Also I've only heard flip turns called tumble turns once before. The expression makes me think of a very inefficient turn.
