Crawl technique observation sheet for beginning swimmers: An evaluation proposal for swimming teachers

Abstract

- Aims: This study aimed to present a technical evaluation proposal for the crawl stroke that can be used with large groups of swimmers, based on an observation sheet. Methods: Fifteen healthy university students aged between 18 and 30 years were chosen to participate in the study. The subjects were recorded swimming at a distance of 50 meters using the crawl technique at a comfortable and self-determined speed. The recordings simulated docent observation capacity. Five swimming teachers were selected to evaluate the proposed checklist and the subjects’ technique. An observation sheet was created based on references present in literature containing ten items that are considered fundamental for swimming movements. The study was divided into (i) checklist validation, (ii) intra-evaluator consistency, and (iii) inter-evaluator consistency. Results: The proposed checklist fulfilled the validity criteria, with intra-evaluator consistency varying between reasonable and substantial, with k varying between 0.36 and 0.73 respectively, while inter-evaluator consistency was deemed reasonable (k = 0.24). Conclusion: According to the results that were obtained, the suggested list is valid and adequate for what it proposes to do.