Quick Dip: Why Do Swimmers Leave 5 or 10 Seconds Apart?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Pace Clock & Lane Skills  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Leaving a gap gives everyone room to swim and turn. It also helps you practise your own pace without sitting right behind someone’s feet.

Your coach chooses the gap for the lane and the set. They consider how many swimmers are sharing the lane, their speeds and the distance being swum.

A bigger gap is not always better. With lots of swimmers, a long wait could mean the first swimmer is already coming back before the last swimmer has started.

Five or ten seconds are common examples, but always follow the instruction you are given.

With a five-second gap, swimmers might start at :00, :05, :10 and :15. Check the clock for your turn instead of guessing.

Starting too soon can put you close enough to get a “tow”. The swimmer ahead moves the water, which can make swimming behind them feel easier. This is called drafting.

If you keep catching someone, tell your coach so they can check the lane order. Follow their instructions about passing and give swimmers room to turn.

Ask your coach: Where should I swim in the lane order for this set?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team