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In addition to the high level of skill required to be a swimmer, to be successful you need, among other things, good endurance and lots of time for training! However, which of these are more important? Below is a discussion about the fitness requirements for swimming, which can help with developing training programs for this sport, and for interpreting fitness testing results and determining the relative strengths and weaknesses of a swimmer.

You need to have power and endurance

We have a poll about the component of fitness most important for success in swimming. Out of the options of Body Size and Composition, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance, Power, Speed / Quickness, Agility, Flexibility, Balance and Coordination, and Cardiovascular Endurance, the factors which are considered most important by the readers of this site are Muscular and Cardiovascular Endurance, which I would have to agree with as being the most important physiological factors. Power and speed were also considered important by many. You can add your vote too.

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Technique is most important

In a similar poll, we have asked people to rate the 12 factors of success for sports. Visitors to this site have rated each of these factors for swimming, and the most important according to them is skill and technique. No matter what physical training you do, if you don't have the right technique through the water you cannot make best use of your physical attributes. You can also add your ratings of Which Factors Make Successful Swimming Players, and see the latest results.

Most Important Factors for Success in Order of Importance (data from 2018)

1. Skill and Technique
2. Strength & Power, Speed / Quickness, Analytic & Tactical Ability
3. Body Size and Composition, Balance & Coordination,
4. Aerobic Endurance, Flexibility, Agility, Reaction Time, Motivation & Self Confidence, Coping with Pressure Situations

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Related Pages

• Anthropometry for swimming
• Swimming Polls