Marguerite Sesti

Mrs. Aguirre
Gifted and Talented Science 8B
22 May 2015
My Own Stroke Experiment
Introduction
Once I found that the Barbie Experiment produced dramatic results with
improving technique in reducing drag and had to explore an experiment in which I
would study how to improve my own technique in reducing drag.
Hypothesis
I believe that by exploring and applying improved techniques I can reduce
drag and reduce my time in swimming my strokes.
Materials
Me
Camera
Stop Watch
Pool
Procedures

1. I first went to the pool and videoed and timed my strokes for 25 yards. I
2.
3.
4.
5.

conducted this for four trials.

I showed my videos to my coach to review and give feedback
I examined videos on improving stroke technique
I then went back to the pool at a later date with the new knowledge
I recorded swimming with improved techniques and recorded time for four

trials
6. I then compared results
Data Results

My Stroke Experiment - Breaststroke

20
swimming before
improvements

15

Improvements in
technique

10
5
0

Trial 1 Trail 2 Trial 3 Trial 4

My Stroke Experiment - Freestyle

20
swimming before
improvements

15

Improvements in
technique

10
5
0

Trial 1 Trail 2 Trial 3 Trial 4

I could observe the waves and drag when my strokes were not worked on
improving. The time trials show that improvements in technique were
awesome.
Conclusion
The Barbie Experiment which is detailed on its own tab prompted me to conduct my own
studies in improving my streamline in my own swimming. I videoed my strokes without influence

to streamline. I measured it by timing 25 yard laps. I took the videos and consulted my coach
Coach Bill Forrester (Forrester), past Olympic medalist for the Butterfly. He gave me pointers on
tightening my technique. Also, I then watched Fitter and Faster Swim Tour Swim like a
Champion Video Series (Swim Outlet/Championship productions) to explore ways I could improve
my strokes. I did get some tips from it and used my Coachs advice and found that technique
does allow one to reduce drag and swim more efficiently for the professionals in the videos. I then
videoed my strokes with the influence of streamlining and improved stroke technique. I measured
that with timing 25 yard laps. I was surprised by the visual aspect of seeing drag versus reduced
drag because it was evident in the videos by the waves impacting the camera. I also noted a
three second difference in a 25 yard swimming distance. This research made me realize and
conclude how important it is to improve technique, which I did find my swimming seemed to be
easier when I streamlined, so I felt I could go faster. The observations of the videos plus the
improved times did support my Hypothesis that I could reduce drag and improve my swim times.