Swim Golf is a game you can play to improve your swim efficiency. The objective is to reduce the amount of time and strokes to get across the pool. Swim efficiently, emphasize glide, use proper technique, and manage your energy to derive a good score. Brute force will not work and will result in a poor score. Here's how to play. Determine a reasonable distance, number of repeats for that distance, and an interval for each repeat. For example…
Distance = 50 yards
Repeats = 10
Interval = 1 minute (Use your first interval time)
Perform your first repeat: Count your stroke cycles for your first repeat. A cycle is each time your left hand (or your right hand, but only one hand) enters the water.
Note your time for the repeat.
For example, it takes you 20 strokes of your right hand to complete 50 yards in 1 minute.
Add the two numbers together for your “PAR” score. For Example 60 seconds plus 20 strokes = a par of 80.
Perform your second repeat. Let’s say you swam the second repeat of 50 yards in 65 seconds and it took you 21 strokes. The result for the second repeat is 86.
Your score after 2 repeats (AKA holes), is +6. It took you 6 extra strokes to do the same repeat.
Now let’s say you do your 3rd repeat in 20 strokes and 55 seconds for a result of 75 which is 5 less strikes than PAR.
Your score after repeat #3 is:
Repeat #2 score = +6
Repeat #3 = -5
Combine the two repeats (+6) and (-5) for a score of = +1
Remember Repeat 1 is not a score, it is a baseline = PAR = 80
After 10 repeats, tally up your overall score as in th example below.
1. 50 seconds & 20 strokes = 70 PAR
2. 50 seconds & 18 strokes = 68 (-2)
3. 50 seconds & 17 strokes = 67 (-3)
4. 53 seconds & 17 strokes = 70 (0)
5. 55 seconds & 20 strokes = 75 (+5)
6. 50 seconds & 20 strokes = 70 (0)
7. 50 seconds & 18 strokes = 68 (-2)
8. 50 seconds & 17 strokes = 67 (-3)
9. 50 seconds & 17 strokes = 67 (-3)
10. 50 seconds & 18 strokes = 68 (-2)
Add all individual repeat scores. -10
Continue to derive a result for each repeat as we did here and apply it to your overal score. Try to finish an overal score of 0 (zero). To learn how to get more out of each stroke by playing the game of Swim Golf! This simple swimming drill will help swimmers develop better swimming technique, improved efficiency, and sense of pace. .