Swim Coaching Science: Swim 100 Meters in 40 Seconds

In the preface to the Science of Swimming, Doc Counsilman (1968) suggested that a 40 second 100 meter freestyle was possible. When Doc made his prediction, the world record was about 54 seconds. Now the world record is about 7 seconds faster. Another 7 seconds is required to lower the record to 40 seconds. With the current trend (Figure P-1, regression line), it will be a very long time (over two centuries) before a swimmer achieves a 40 second swim. However, the application of scientific findings shows that a swimmer can achieve Doc’s prediction now.

This document includes five parts to address how to modify technique:
1. Technique Requirements – the technique elements required to swim 100 meters in 40 seconds
2. Technique Adjustments – a step by step process to improve current technique to swim 100 meters in 40 seconds
3. Technique Limitations – typical technique elements that prevent a swimmer from swimming 100 meters in 40 seconds
4. Technique Issues – additional strategies to swim 100 meters in 40 seconds
5. Technique Measurements – analysis methods that identify technique changes to swim 100 meters in 40 seconds