Swim Talk for Kids

At the Pool

Lane

The long strip in the pool where you swim. It's like your own swimming highway! The ropes with floats keep you in your lane.

Blocks

The platforms you dive from at the start of a race. They help you get a super fast start!

Touchpad

The special wall at the end of the pool that records your time when you touch it. Make sure you give it a good SMACK!

Times & Records

PB (Personal Best)

Your fastest EVER time for a race! When you get a PB, it's time to celebrate!

Split Time

Your time at different points in the race. Like checkpoints in a video game!

QT (Qualifying Time)

A time you need to swim to enter special competitions. It's like unlocking a new level!

Swimming Strokes

Fly (Butterfly)

The stroke where you move both arms together like a butterfly's wings. It's tough but looks super cool!

Breast (Breaststroke)

The stroke where you swim like a frog! Pull, breathe, kick, glide.

Back (Backstroke)

Swimming on your back while looking at the ceiling. Don't bump your head on the wall!

Free (Freestyle)

Usually front crawl — the fastest stroke! Zoom zoom!

IM (Individual Medley)

Swimming ALL FOUR strokes in one race — Fly, Back, Breast, Free. The ultimate swimming challenge!

At Competitions

Heat

A group of swimmers racing at the same time. You might swim in heat 3 or heat 5!

Final

The last race where the fastest swimmers compete for medals. Super exciting!

DQ (Disqualified)

When you accidentally break a rule and can't get a time. Don't worry — it happens to everyone! Your coach will help you learn from it.

Relay

A team race where you and your friends each swim one part. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Training Talk

Set

A group of swims you do together. Like "4 x 50m" means you swim 50 metres four times!

Turnaround Times

The time you have to complete a swim and rest before starting again. Watch the clock!

Drill

Special exercises to help you swim better. They might feel unusual but they really work!

Warm Up / Cool Down

Easy swimming at the start (warm up) and end (cool down) of practice. It helps your body get ready and recover properly.

Tapering

What is a Taper?

A taper is when your coach gives you a bit of a break before a big competition. You still train, but you do less swimming than usual so your body can rest and recharge. Think of it like charging up your batteries before race day!

Why Does it Matter?

You've been training really hard for months — all those early mornings and long sessions add up! The taper gives your body time to feel fresh again so you can swim your very best when it counts. Most PBs happen during a taper. That's not luck — that's the plan working!

What Might You Notice?

• Sessions feel shorter and easier than usual
• You might feel a bit restless or even slower in training — that's totally normal! It's sometimes called the "taper blues"
• Getting good sleep and eating well becomes extra important
• Your coach has a plan — trust it!