The Relationship Between Stroke Length and Stroke Rate in Improving Swimming Performance Among Young Swimmers in Tripoli City

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between stroke length, stroke rate, and their impact on swimming performance among young swimmers in Tripoli. The importance of the study stems from the role of biomechanical variables in improving technical efficiency and enhancing athletic achievement, as stroke length and stroke rate are considered among the most important determinants of swimming speed and performance.

The researcher employed the descriptive correlational method due to its suitability for the nature of the study. The sample consisted of (30) young swimmers from Al-Sawari and OmegaFit clubs in Tripoli during the 2025–2026 sports season. Data were collected through measurements of stroke length, stroke rate, and swimming performance in freestyle swimming. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, applying means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation coefficients, and simple linear regression analysis.

The results revealed a strong negative statistically significant relationship between stroke length and swimming performance, with a correlation coefficient of (-0.814). The findings also indicated a significant negative relationship between stroke rate and swimming performance, with a correlation coefficient of (-0.693). Regression analysis showed that stroke length explained (66.3%) of the variance in swimming performance among the young swimmers.

The study concluded that improving swimming performance largely depends on achieving an optimal balance between stroke length and stroke rate, and that stroke length represents the most influential variable affecting performance achievement. The study recommended greater emphasis on biomechanical analysis within training programs, regular assessment of stroke length and stroke rate, and the use of these measurements to enhance the technical performance of young swimmers.