Formal & Logical Modeling of Swimming Technique

In high-performance swimming, technique cannot be based on imitation, intuition, or fragmented observations. Before teaching or correcting technique, it is essential to determine:

What exactly must be constructed?

A Model is not a description of movement. It is a structured construction that defines measurable parameters, relations between elements, and the importance of movement phases and elements. Modeling allows movement to be built logically and quantitatively, not guessed.

2.1 Formal Model — What to Teach

Defines the structure and quantitative foundation of technique.

• Phase-based decomposition of movement
• Key positions and transitions
• Actions described through measurable parameters (speed, duration, rhythm, amplitude, trajectory patterns)
• Quantitative analysis of relationships between parameters
• Determination of the importance of movement phases and elements
• Identification of structural elements that allow controlled variability

The Formal Model answers: What exactly must be constructed in the swimmer’s technique?

2.2 Logical Model — How to Teach

Transforms the Formal Model into a teaching and correction process.

• Teaching sequence and order of phase construction
• Importance-based correction hierarchy
• Transition criteria between stages
• Integration of dryland imitation and water exercises
• Control and evaluation procedures

The First Thing First.

More important phases and elements are taught and corrected before less important ones. If a primary phase or structural element is constructed correctly, many other deviations disappear naturally.

There is no sense in defining parameters precisely if there is no structured logic for teaching and implementing them.

Not all phases and elements contribute equally to performance. The Models define a hierarchy to support efficient teaching and correction:

• Primary determinants (highest influence on result)
• Supporting elements (stabilize and support primary phases)
• Elements allowing greater variation (individual variants without losing effectiveness)
• Structural dependencies between phases and actions

With defined importance, correction becomes systematic and rational—rather than trial-and-error.

4.1 Dryland Imitation Exercises

Dryland imitation is used to form correct phase structure, key positions, transitions, rhythm, and kinesthetic awareness. It supports early construction of the movement image and reduces development of incorrect motor patterns.

4.2 Technique Exercises in Water

Two complementary types.

• Special technique workouts — dedicated sessions to construct and correct priority phases and elements.
• Technique focus inside normal interval training — selected technical priorities are executed under normal load and fatigue, improving stability and transfer to competition.

Technical skill is based on a complete movement image. The Models develop and connect:

• Visual image — demonstrations, video analysis, trajectories, body positions
• Verbal image — clear understanding of requirements, expressed with precise words and values
• Kinesthetic image — perception of body position, tension–relaxation, rhythm, water interaction
• Acoustical image — rhythm of strokes, kicks, breathing patterns

Models support control through structured evaluation, including knowledge checks, self-control checklists, and video-based verification of key positions, timing, and phase structure.

Teaching and learning require systematic verification. Control includes:

• quantitative testing of parameters and phases
• video-based comparison and evaluation of execution
• monitoring of priority phases and elements (importance hierarchy)
• assessment of movement image accuracy (visual/verbal/kinesthetic/acoustical)
• structured coach feedback and swimmer self-control

The Models are not static. They are continuously verified and developed through ongoing testing, analysis, and improved digital measurement tools.

In contemporary sport, intuition alone is insufficient. Nowadays, academic and scientific approaches are the reliable foundation for sustained success.

Quantitative modeling, logical teaching architecture, objective verification, and continuous evaluation define modern technical preparation. Formal and Logical Models represent an integrated scientific and pedagogical framework for high-level swimming development.