Author(s): GONZALEZ RAVE, J., Institution: FACULTY OF SPORT SCIENCES, Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 1681

INTRODUCTION:
Swimming performance depends on the interaction of biomechanical and technical factors, with velocity largely determined by stroke mechanics and efficiency (1-2). In youth swimmers, technical proficiency plays a key role in competitive outcomes during early developmental stages (3).
METHODS:
The sample consisted of 72 swimmers (11–12 years old) who competed in the U-13 swimming regional championship. Prior to participating in this championship, all swimmers were evaluated in a specific session on technical variables in a 25 m swimming performance, turns, and a 25 m kick drill exercise. A one-way ANOVA was conducted using Aqua Points level as the independent variable, grouped into three categories (<320, 320–440, and >440), and performance-related variables as dependents, including speed, time, swimming efficiency, and turn performance parameters.
RESULTS:
In 25 m, highly significant differences were found (F = 24.81, p < .001; η² = .418), with a progressive decrease in time as Aqua Points increased (16.91 s in <320; 15.22 s in 320–440; 14.75 s in >440). Similarly, 25 m velocity was significantly higher in the higher competitive level groups (F = 28.72, p < .001; η² = .454). In 25 m kick legs (time and velocity), significant differences were also observed (p < .001), with large effect sizes (η² = .351 and η² = .408, respectively). Swimmers with higher Aqua Points showed lower times and higher velocities, confirming a consistent association between competitive level and short-distance performance. Turn performance analysis revealed differences in both turn time (F = 26.28, p < .001; η² = .432) and turn velocity (F = 30.95, p < .001; η² = .473). Swimmers >440 group showed the lowest turn times (5.85 s) and the highest velocities (1.71 m·s⁻¹), suggesting that technical efficiency during this phase is an important differentiating factor even at early developmental ages.
CONCLUSION:
In youth swimmers, performance development is strongly linked to technical proficiency rather than purely physiological capacity. At early developmental stages, improvements in coordination, efficiency, and turn execution can substantially affect race outcomes (3). The Aqua Points system provides an objective indicator of competitive performance, allowing swimmers to be classified according to their race results. However, limited research has examined how differences in Aqua Points level relate to specific biomechanical and technical performance parameters in preadolescent swimmers. Understanding these associations may help coaches better target key determinants of performance at formative ages.
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3. Morais, J…Barbosa, T (2013) Start and turn performances elite sprinters at the 2011 European Championships. Sports Biom. 12, 259-73