Key Success Factors in 200m Freestyle Swimming: Visitor Ratings
We asked people to rate the range of physical and mental factors that contribute to successful performance in sports. Not all of these factors are important for Swimmers - and that is what this survey was about.
Here are the results of how important people think each of these factors are to the success of Swimmers, and for this exercise, consider the event the 200m freestyle (note, these are just the average opinions of visitors to this site). You can read a more detailed description of the factors. This survey is an extension of a previous (though still active) poll asking you to select the single most important FITNESS component for swimming.
Results
Below is a summary of each factor rated by visitors to our website, with average scores on a scale of 1 to 5:
- Body Size and Composition – Average Rating: 3.5
- Aerobic Endurance – Average Rating: 4.0
- Strength & Power – Average Rating: 4.0
- Speed / Quickness – Average Rating: 3.8
- Flexibility – Average Rating: 3.4
- Agility – Average Rating: 3.2
- Balance & Coordination – Average Rating: 3.1
- Reaction Time – Average Rating: 3.8
- Analytic & Tactical Ability – Average Rating: 3.3
- Motivation & Self-Confidence – Average Rating: 4.1
- Coping with Pressure Situations – Average Rating: 3.7
- Skill and Technique – Average Rating: 4.4
Analysis of Each Success Factor in 200m Freestyle Swimming
1. Body Size and Composition (3.5)
Body size and composition received a rating of 3.5, highlighting its moderate role in 200m freestyle swimming. A swimmer’s physique, especially a lean, streamlined body with strong core and upper body muscle, can enhance their hydrodynamics and propulsion. However, optimal technique and strength have a greater impact than body composition alone.
2. Aerobic Endurance (4.0)
Aerobic endurance scored a strong 4.0, reflecting its importance in maintaining a high-effort pace for the full 200 meters. While the 200m event is not a marathon, it requires a blend of speed and sustained energy output. Swimmers with strong endurance can perform efficiently through all four laps without fading, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive time.
3. Strength & Power (4.0)
Strength and power, also rated at 4.0, are essential for explosive starts, turns, and maintaining powerful strokes throughout the race. Power in the upper body, core, and legs allows swimmers to pull through the water more effectively and cover each meter faster. The combination of power with efficient technique is key to success in this mid-distance event.
4. Speed / Quickness (3.8)
Speed and quickness scored 3.8, underscoring their importance in reaching and maintaining a high pace early in the race. In 200m freestyle, establishing speed quickly is necessary for gaining an edge, especially in the first 50 meters. Speed off the blocks and through turns can set strong swimmers apart from their competitors, making this a valuable attribute.
5. Flexibility (3.4)
Flexibility received a moderate rating of 3.4, reflecting its supportive role in swimming. Flexibility, particularly in the shoulders, ankles, and hips, enhances a swimmer’s stroke length and range of motion, allowing for smoother, more efficient movements in the water. While not as essential as power or technique, flexibility contributes to fluidity and reduces resistance.
6. Agility (3.2)
Agility, with a score of 3.2, is helpful but not critical in 200m freestyle swimming. While agility is important in sports with rapid directional changes, swimming requires consistent forward propulsion with minimal directional shifts. However, agility can aid swimmers in their turns, helping them transition smoothly from one lap to the next without losing momentum.
7. Balance & Coordination (3.1)
Balance and coordination, rated at 3.1, play a supportive role by helping swimmers maintain a streamlined form and steady rhythm. Proper balance in the water reduces drag and promotes efficient strokes. Coordination between upper and lower body movements is essential for a unified, propulsive stroke, but it is less critical than endurance or speed.
8. Reaction Time (3.8)
Reaction time scored 3.8, reflecting its importance for a strong start off the blocks. Quick reaction time gives swimmers an early advantage, as even a slight delay can cost valuable milliseconds in a race as short as the 200 meters. Fast reaction time helps swimmers get into their rhythm quickly, setting the tone for the entire race.
9. Analytic & Tactical Ability (3.3)
Analytic and tactical ability, with a rating of 3.3, highlights the need for some strategy in pacing and positioning. In 200m freestyle, swimmers benefit from pacing themselves to avoid burnout while staying competitive in each lap. Tactics come into play especially in the final 50 meters, where energy conservation and finishing speed make a critical difference.
10. Motivation & Self-Confidence (4.1)
Motivation and self-confidence scored highly at 4.1, underscoring the mental resilience required in competitive swimming. Confidence allows swimmers to trust their technique and make assertive decisions, while motivation drives them to push through the physical and mental demands of the race. In a competitive setting, a motivated swimmer is often able to maintain focus and deliver peak performance.
11. Coping with Pressure Situations (3.7)
Coping with pressure received a rating of 3.7, highlighting the mental toughness needed in high-stakes competition. Swimmers who can handle pressure stay composed and focused, especially when competing against top-level opponents. The ability to cope with race-day stress helps swimmers maintain their technique and pace, reducing the chance of costly mistakes.
12. Skill and Technique (4.4)
Skill and technique received the highest rating at 4.4, emphasizing their foundational importance in 200m freestyle swimming. Mastery of stroke mechanics, breathing technique, and efficient turns can significantly impact performance. Proper technique ensures that each stroke is powerful yet efficient, minimizing drag and conserving energy. Technique is a cornerstone of success in any swimming event, particularly in a mid-distance race like the 200 meters.
Conclusion: Key Factors for Success in 200m Freestyle Swimming
In 200m freestyle swimming, the most critical success factors include Skill and Technique, Aerobic Endurance, Strength & Power, Speed / Quickness, and Motivation & Self-Confidence. These attributes reflect the blend of physical conditioning, technical skill, and mental resilience necessary to excel in a fast-paced, competitive race.
Less essential factors, such as Body Size and Composition and Agility, play supportive roles by enhancing comfort and smooth movement in the water. However, they are secondary to core attributes such as power, speed, and skill. Overall, success in 200m freestyle swimming depends on a mix of technical expertise, physical power, and the ability to maintain focus under competitive pressure, equipping swimmers to perform at their peak in this demanding event.
Related Pages
- more swimming polls
- Rate factors of success in other sports
- More about components of fitness
- Top ranking sports for fitness components
- More about factors of success in sports
- List of Sports and Fitness Polls
- Other fitness polls
- suggest a poll
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Old Comments
Commenting is closed on this page, though you can read some previous comments below which may answer some of your questions.
- I'm surprised that all factors seem equal from the voting for swimming. I would have thought Technique, Motivation and aerobic endurance would be the big 3 for swimmers. Are you going to publish the results for all sports so we can compare? (from Tim Jones, Oct 2010)
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