APPLICATION OF THE “TOTAL IMMERSION” METHOD IN THE SYSTEM OF TEACHING RECREATIONAL SWIMMING TO STUDENTS

Abstract

Lack of empirical data hinders the scientific substantiation of effective methods for teaching recreational swimming and the improvement of training programs in physical education and wellness practice. The aim of this study was to experimentally compare the effectiveness of front crawl swimming using the Total Immersion method and the traditional method by determining differences in spatiotemporal characteristics and speed-efficiency indicators. Methods and study design. A formative pedagogical experiment involved 200 first-year students, divided into two equal groups of 100 participants each. The control group (CG) improved front crawl technique using the traditional method, while the experimental group (EG) trained using the Total Immersion method. Results. Under the influence of the author’s swimming program, participants in the EG showed a statistically significant reduction in stroke frequency, a near-significant increase in stroke length and technique index, and a tendency toward increased swimming speed. Participants in the CG demonstrated a tendency toward reduced stroke length and a non-significant increase in stroke frequency, which did not contribute to improvements in either speed or technique index. Conclusions. The Total Immersion front crawl program proved to be more effective than the traditional method. It provided statistically significant improvements in swimming speed, stroke length, and technique index, as well as a reduction in stroke frequency, indicating enhanced technical skill and efficiency in front crawl swimming using the Total Immersion method.