Swimming Vocabulary
1 / 15Dive into the terminology of competitive and recreational swimming!
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
In competitive swimming, what is a 'flip turn'?
About Swimming Vocabulary
Give your memory a workout with Swimming Vocabulary: 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 8 easy, 7 medium questions, free to play right in your browser. Dive into the terminology of competitive and recreational swimming! Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.
A few sample questions
1. In competitive swimming, what is a 'flip turn'?
Answer: A somersault turn at the wall to reverse direction
A flip turn is a technique where a swimmer performs an underwater somersault near the wall, pushes off with the feet, and continues swimming, used primarily in freestyle and backstroke.
2. What is the 'individual medley' (IM) in swimming?
Answer: A race where one swimmer swims butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle in sequence
The individual medley (IM) requires a single swimmer to swim equal distances of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle, in that specific order.
3. In swimming, what is a 'false start'?
Answer: Leaving the starting block before the signal
A false start occurs when a swimmer leaves the starting block or begins their motion before the starter's signal, resulting in disqualification.
4. What does 'DQ' stand for in competitive swimming?
Answer: Disqualification
DQ stands for disqualification, which occurs when a swimmer violates the rules, such as an illegal stroke, false start, or improper turn.
5. In swimming, what is the 'catch' phase of a stroke?
Answer: The initial part of the pull where the hand engages the water
The catch is the initial phase of the arm pull where the swimmer's hand and forearm engage the water to begin generating propulsion.
Things you'll learn along the way
- A negative split means swimming the second half of a race faster than the first half, often considered an ideal pacing strategy.
- Drafting is swimming in the slipstream created by the swimmer ahead, which reduces water resistance and requires less energy, commonly used in open water swimming.
- A taper is a planned reduction in training volume and intensity before a major competition, allowing the body to recover and perform at its peak.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Swimming Vocabulary take?
Most players finish Swimming Vocabulary in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Swimming Vocabulary?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Swimming Vocabulary?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Swimming Vocabulary fits comfortably in one sitting.
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