Troup, J. P. (Ed.). (1990). Energy contributions of competitive freestyle events. In International Center for Aquatic Research annual: Studies by the International Center for Aquatic Research 1989-90. Colorado Springs: United States Swimming Press.

One of the differentiating factors between talented and less talented swimmers is the size of the energy systems.

• The faster the swimmer, the greater the anaerobic capacity.
• The better distance swimmers have greater aerobic capacities.
• More talented swimmers use a greater percent of their energy from the aerobic energy system.
• More talented swimmers use energy at a faster rate than lesser talented swimmers.

These differences may be explained because of the comparatively higher volume of training that talented athletes can tolerate and perform.

Implication. A drop-off test of maximum swimming or double-arm swim bench pulling can indicate capacities. The total work for 45 seconds can indicate the anaerobic capacity of an athlete. The lower the fall-off from start to finish, the greater the endurance capacity.

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