Critical Swim Speed

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The objective of the Critical Swim Speed (CSS) test is to monitor the athlete's aerobic capacity.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

  • Swimming pool
  • Stop watch
  • An assistant

Test Protocol

The following approach should be taken in conducting this test:

  • Start each swim from a push start - not a dive in
  • Allow a full recovery between each swim
  • Record the time for each swim in seconds
  • Calculate CSS using the appropriate test calculator

How to conduct the test

The test comprises of two maximal swims over 400 metres and 50 metres. The assistant should record the times for each swim.

Calculation of CSS

CSS = (D2 - D1) ÷ (T2 - T1)

Where D1 = 50, D2 = 400, T1 = time for 50 metres in seconds and T2 = time for 400 metres in seconds

CSS Calculator

Enter the times for each distance and then select the "Calculate" button for an analysis of the results.

400 metres seconds
50 metres seconds
   
 
Critical Swim Speed metres/second

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's aerobic capacity.

Target Group

This test is suitable for swimmers but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

The concept of CSS has proven to be a valid and reliable measure of a swimmer's aerobic capacity. Ginn (1993) suggests that the obtained CSS value can be used to determine the training times for the swimmer. For example:

  • Session 4 × 400 metres
  • Swimmer's CSS is 1.34m/s
  • Target time for each 400 metres is 400 ÷ 1.34 = 298.5 seconds

Ginn also found that the CSS for a swimmer was about 80 to 85% of maximum 100 metre swim speed and 90 to 95% of their 400 metre swim speed.

Related Research Papers

  • Ginn, E. (1993), "The application of the critical power test to swimming and swim training programmes", National Sports Research Centre
  • Ginn, E. (1993), "Critical speed and training intensities for swimming", Australian Sports Commission
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Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2