THE EFFECTS OF DRAFTING ON TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE CAPACITY

When a swimmer drafts behind another swimmer, the hydrodynamic conditions are identical in effects to those afforded by aerodynamics.

Drafting produced a 5% reduction in energy cost which translated into a 6% increase in swimming speed. Physiological measures and perceived exertion reflected the lower energy cost while drafting. Distance per stroke and stroking frequency were increased.

This could be a problem during training when swimmers use circle patterns in the same lane. Specific training objectives could be compromised because of easier work when drafting is allowed.

Implications. Several actions need to be taken when drafting is a problem during training.

1. Prescribed paces should be at least 5% faster.

2. Shorter work:recovery ratios can be used to increase the energy demands to compensate for the reduced loads of drafting.

3. Provide the largest distance between each swimmer to avoid the drafting condition.

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