The T50 Test

from Varsity Reds Swimming/University of New Brunswick

Purpose:
To determine each athlete's start time, start speed, clean swim time, clean swim speed, turn time, turn speed, turn index, distance per cycle and cycle rate.

Rationale:
This is a simple testing procedure that yields a considerable amount of useful data on swimming performance. In this procedure the athlete swims an all-out, full-start 50 metre (scm). Cumulative splits are to be taken when the head passes the 10m, 17.5m, 32.5m marks, at the start of 3 cycles after the 32.5 mark, at the end of 3 cycles and at the completion of the swim. Following the collection of data various swim analysis calculations are made.

Athletes are instructed to swim an all-out full-start timed 50. We take and record cumulative splits for freestyle at the following points:

1.        After the start when the head passes a 10 metre mark

2.        After the head passes a 17.5 metre mark heading into the turn

3.        After the head passes the 17.5 metre mark heading out of the turn (ie. at 32.5 metres)

4.        After split # 3, at the beginning of 3 cycles from the hand entry

5.        At the beginning of 3 cycles from the hand entry

6.        At the finish of the 50.

Note to coaches:

·         In order to perform this test you will have to measure out the following distances from the starting end: (i) the 10 m mark and (ii) the 17.5 m mark. These should be marked on both sides of the pool so as to be easily visible. (Small pylons make good markers).

·         If you have the kind of stopwatch that is capable of recalling up to 6 cumulative splits then you can run the testing session singlehandedly. (The use of the term "run" is quite appropriate; you will be obliged to move quickly up and down the pool deck in order to get a good siting on the swimmer's head as he/she passes the marks).

·         After each swim you read off the six cumulative splits and then record the data on the "T 50 sprint test monitoring form".

·         If your watch does not have this memory capability then you will require some assistance. If you have an assistant coach available have him/her record the cumulative splits as you read them out. This will take some rehearsal and calls for some fast scribing.

·         There is of course considerable margin for error in the taking of the cumulative splits. Despite the difficulty of achieving perfect accuracy this procedure will yield reasonably accurate data about your athletes if you are careful and, above all, consistent. For example, for the start time (split #1) always try to position yourself so that you can site the swimmer's head in a line with your two 10 metre marks on either side of the pool. Ideally you would have someone else start the swimmers with a starter pistol.

·         Data can be sent to Bob Connon, Head Coach, Varsity Reds Swimming. Make sure to include the 6 cumulative splits, along with the birthdates and sex of the athletes (no names are necessary but please uniquely identify them for your own benefit). He will make the calculations for you and email them back to you.

If you have any questions about the T50 Test, please contact Bob Connon, Head Coach, Varsity Reds Swimming.