Swimming Vocabulary
Instructions: Dive into the terminology of competitive and recreational swimming!
- 1.
In competitive swimming, what is a 'flip turn'?
AA diving technique off the starting blockBA type of relay exchangeCA backstroke start methodDA somersault turn at the wall to reverse direction - 2.
What is the 'individual medley' (IM) in swimming?
AA solo race at any distanceBA relay race with four different swimmersCA race where the swimmer chooses their own strokeDA race where one swimmer swims butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle in sequence - 3.
In swimming, what is a 'false start'?
ASwimming the wrong strokeBStarting from the wrong laneCLeaving the starting block before the signalDTouching the wall with one hand in breaststroke - 4.
What does 'DQ' stand for in competitive swimming?
ADisqualificationBDelayed QualifyingCDouble QualifierDDistance Qualified - 5.
In swimming, what is the 'catch' phase of a stroke?
AThe initial part of the pull where the hand engages the waterBGrabbing the lane rope for supportCThe final touch at the wallDCatching a breath during the stroke - 6.
What is a 'negative split' in swimming?
ALosing time in each successive lapBSplitting into separate lanes during warm-upCA poor finish in a relayDSwimming the second half of a race faster than the first half - 7.
In swimming, what is 'drafting'?
ACreating waves to slow an opponentBSwimming closely behind another swimmer to reduce resistanceCWriting race strategy on paperDChoosing which heat to swim in - 8.
What is a 'taper' in swimming training?
AA gradual increase in training intensity before a competitionBA gradual decrease in training volume before a major competitionCA tapering swimsuit designDNarrowing the pool lanes for practice - 9.
In swimming, what is the 'dolphin kick'?
AA kick used only in backstrokeBAn undulating kick where both legs move together like a dolphin's tailCA single powerful kick off the wallDA kick performed above the water surface - 10.
What is a 'heat' in competitive swimming?
AA preliminary round of a race to determine finalistsBThe intensity of a workoutCThe water temperature of the poolDA warm-up swim before the main event - 11.
In swimming, what does 'streamline' refer to?
AA body position with arms extended overhead and body tight to minimize dragBSwimming in a straight lineCA type of racing swimsuitDA pool with a current - 12.
What is a 'touchpad' in competitive swimming?
AA device swimmers wear on their fingersBA rubber mat at the bottom of the poolCA writing surface for coachesDAn electronic plate on the wall that records finish times when touched - 13.
In swimming, what is an 'open turn'?
AA turn performed in open waterBA turn made while breathingCA turn without touching the wallDA turn where the swimmer touches the wall with one or both hands before pushing off - 14.
What does 'pulling' mean in swim training?
APulling a teammate through the waterBSwimming using only arm strokes with a pull buoy between the legsCA disqualification for grabbing the lane lineDRemoving lane ropes before a race - 15.
In swimming, what is a 'split time'?
AThe time difference between two swimmersBThe intermediate time recorded at specific distances during a raceCThe time a swimmer spends resting between racesDThe time it takes to change strokes in a medley
Answer Key
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.
The individual medley (IM) requires a single swimmer to swim equal distances of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle, in that specific order.
A false start occurs when a swimmer leaves the starting block or begins their motion before the starter's signal, resulting in disqualification.
DQ stands for disqualification, which occurs when a swimmer violates the rules, such as an illegal stroke, false start, or improper turn.
The catch is the initial phase of the arm pull where the swimmer's hand and forearm engage the water to begin generating propulsion.
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.
The dolphin kick is a simultaneous up-and-down motion of both legs together, used in butterfly stroke and during underwater phases after starts and turns.
A heat is a preliminary round of racing. When there are more swimmers than lanes, multiple heats are swum, and the fastest times advance to semifinals or finals.
Streamline is a hydrodynamic body position where the swimmer extends their arms overhead with hands stacked, squeezing ears between biceps, to minimize water resistance.
A touchpad is a pressure-sensitive electronic plate mounted on the wall at each end of the pool that precisely records the time when a swimmer touches it.
An open turn is a turn where the swimmer touches the wall, pulls the knees in, rotates, and pushes off. It is required in breaststroke and butterfly where two-hand touches are mandatory.
Pulling is a training drill where swimmers use only their arms for propulsion, typically with a pull buoy between the thighs to keep the legs afloat and still.
A split time is the time recorded at intermediate points during a race, such as every 50 or 100 meters, allowing analysis of a swimmer's pacing strategy.