Pool Laps Explained! Your Ultimate Guide to Swimming Success

Understanding Pool Laps: A Complete Guide to Swimming Well

This guide will break down everything you need to know about swimming laps, from the very basics to techniques that will help you improve your speed and endurance. A key concept we’ll focus on is, what is a lap in swimming pool? We’ll cover this and much more.

What Exactly is a Lap in Swimming?

Understanding the fundamental definition is key to tracking your progress and understanding swimming workouts.

Defining a "Lap"

A lap in swimming pool terms refers to swimming the length of the pool once. It is a single, one-way journey from one end of the pool to the other.

• One Length: This is the simplest definition. Think of it as travelling from one side of the pool to the opposite side.

Defining a "Length"

A length and a lap are the same. If you were to swim a length of the pool, you would be swimming a lap.

Defining a "Set"

A set comprises of 1 or more repetitions of laps.

Pool Sizes and How They Affect Laps

Not all pools are created equal! Pool size is a critical factor when considering what is a lap in swimming pool because it directly impacts the distance covered per lap.

Standard Pool Sizes

The most common pool sizes you’ll encounter are:

• 25-Yard Pool (Short Course Yards – SCY): This is a common size for high school and college pools in the United States. Four laps in this pool equal 100 yards.

• 25-Meter Pool (Short Course Meters – SCM): Common for recreational swimming and international competitions. Four laps of this pool would equal 100 meters.

• 50-Meter Pool (Long Course Meters – LCM): The standard size for Olympic swimming competitions. Two laps will total 100 meters.

How Pool Size Impacts Lap Counting

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the distance covered per lap varies significantly depending on the pool size. Make a note of which pool size you have access to before creating a swimming plan. If you are not sure of the dimensions, either ask the lifeguard, read signage on the pool itself or measure the pool yourself.

• Yard vs. Meter: Remember that yards and meters are slightly different units of measurement. One meter is roughly 1.09 yards.

Using a Lap Counter

To assist with keeping track of your laps, it’s important to consider purchasing a waterproof lap counter. This will assist you with being able to concentrate on technique.

Common Swimming Terminology Related to Laps

Beyond simply understanding what is a lap in swimming pool, here are some other terms you’ll encounter:

• Length: As mentioned above, a synonym for a lap.
• Round Trip: Swimming to the other side of the pool and back to the starting point.
• Interval: The time it takes to complete a set. For example, 5 x 100’s on 1:30 means that you swim 5 100’s, and leave every 1 minute and 30 seconds.
• Freestyle: Refers to the front crawl.

Different Types of Swimming Workouts

Your understanding of laps will be essential when structuring your workouts.

Distance Sets

These workouts focus on building endurance. They involve swimming a significant number of laps at a steady pace. For example:

• 10 x 100s freestyle at a moderate pace.
• 5 x 200’s freestyle at a moderate pace.
• 2 x 500s freestyle at a moderate pace.

Interval Training

Interval training involves alternating between high-intensity swimming and periods of rest or low-intensity swimming. For example:

• 8 x 50s freestyle at fast pace with 30 seconds rest.
• 4 x 100s freestyle at race pace with 1 minute rest.

Mixed Stroke Sets

Involve combining different strokes such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly in a single workout. For example:

• 4 x 100 IM (Individual Medley)
• 100 freestyle
• 100 backstroke
• 100 breaststroke
• 100 butterfly

Drill Sets

These workouts focus on improving specific aspects of your stroke technique. They often involve shorter distances and more focused movements. For example:

• 6 x 50s freestyle, with different focus areas such as body roll, rotation, catch, pull through.

Tips for Counting Laps Accurately

Miscounting laps can throw off your entire workout.

Mental Strategies

• Focus: Dedicate your attention to counting, especially when tired.
• Visualization: Picture each lap as you complete it.
• Divide and Conquer: Break down your workout into smaller, manageable sets. For example, if your set is 20 x 25s, count the first 5, and then repeat the sequence.

Using Tools

• Kickboard: Place the kickboard on the ground, and drop a finger from one hand onto it after completing a length.
• Pencils: Use pencils and write on the side of the pool.

Getting Help

• Buddy Up: Swim with a friend and take turns counting for each other.

Alright, swimmers, we’ve covered the distance on what is a lap in swimming pool! Now it’s time to jump in the water and start racking up those laps. Happy swimming!