Can someone outline the ideal physical characteristics for excellence in swimming? and why this is so.?

Question

For example, V shaped and tall- more stream lined.

and is there a site in which i can use as a source for the info?

Answer 1

All types! The person above me is correct, anyone can excel. It is a suprising mix of body types that dominate the sport. A good ratio of muscle to body fat usually comes with speed on any body type. The techniaue developed by a good coaching staff can apply to anyone. The desire to succeed makes a fantastic swimmer. Cardiovascaular fitness and hard work make great swimmers. Dedication helps round out the mix. physical attributes have some influence on the sport but not excessively.

Answer 2

Well, being tall helps, but not if the length is just in your torso and not your limbs. Big hands and feet definitely help a lot. Your hands and feet propel you through the water, the more water you can grab, the faster you can go. Bodybuilders won't go fast. V-shape is nice, but that maybe a needle-like bodyshape would be better for aquadynamics :-)

Answer 3

I was a swimmer for 12 years, and swam throughout college at a division 1 school. Swimming is one sport where truly anyone can excel. At our college conference meet, there were all body types that were winning events. With so many different strokes and events, there is something for ally body types.

Answer 4

Tall - as it'll take less strokes to get across the pool. V shaped as upper body strength is very important. Swimming crawl and butterfly over long distances regularly will give you the broad shoulders and narrow hips.

Answer 5

I don't know any sites but generally if you are looking for a distance swimmer you want to look for a taller person who's muscles are more toned than bulked, to get there you want to lift with more reps and lower weight, for sprints you want to be built and capable of reaching maximum speed very quickly because the raises are very short, breaststrokers and butterflyers generally have very large and muscular chest muscles so they can move the water easily.