Training volume and performance of young Spanish national and international level swimmers

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to determine the volume of training of young national and international level swimmers, how it evolves andits relationship with performance. The sample comprised of 202 swimmers (11to 18 years old), selected by the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation. The volumes of pool and dry-land training were evaluated together with the swimmer's performance during the season (LEN score). In general, there was a progression in pool training volume from the youngest swimmers (males 13to 14 years; females 11to 12 years),to the next age category (males 15to 16 years; females 13to 14 years). Training volume was related to performance only for the youngest swimmers, the possible reason being that, after this age, intensity is the most relevant aspect of the training load.

Keywords: Planning; Training load; Swimming

South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, 2013, 35(2): 163-172