Calculate Split Times in Swimming
Calculating a swimmer's split times is a critical part of coaching. It helps the swimmer determine pace during the race. Splits can be used to determine each individual swimmer's performance in a relay, to break down and analyze a long-distance event and even to qualify a swimmer for special time cuts or competitions. With a basic understanding of stopwatch and timer functions and a little math, calculating splits is easy.
Instructions
1. Clear your stopwatch before each race.
2. Hit the start button when you see the flash from the timing system at the start of the race. Light travels faster than sound, so for the best accuracy, hit "start" when you see the flash, not when you hear the sound of the starter system.
3. Push the "split" button on the stopwatch after your swimmer hits the wall every 50 yards (or meters, depending on the pool). Record the split time on a sheet of paper.
4. Continue to record splits every 50 yards until the race is complete.
5. Push the "stop" button when your swimmer hits the wall at the finish. Record the final time on paper.
6. Calculate split times by subtracting the previous split from the successive split. For example, in a 200-yard race you will record four times: Split 1 at 50 yards, Split 2 at 100 yards, Split 3 at 150 yards and Split 4 at 200 yards for a final time. The 50-yard split is Split 1 minus the starting time (0 seconds). The second split is Split 2 minus Split 1 and so on.
7. Calculate 100-yard splits by adding each pair of 50-yard splits together. One-hundred-yard splits are more desirable in long-distance events, such as the 1,500-meter and 1,650-yard freestyles.
8. Record each calculated split time on paper.
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