With competitive swimming becoming more and more popular, it’s important to understand the basics of a lap when it comes to the pool. Knowing what a lap is and how to count them properly will help swimmers and coaches accurately track progress during swim meets and practice.
What is a Lap in Swimming?
A lap in swimming is the full length of the pool from one end to the other. For competitive swimmers and coaches, it’s important to measure laps accurately to ensure that all participants are counted for.
How to Count Laps Properly
When it comes to counting laps, it’s important to ensure accuracy. Here are few tips to remember when counting laps:
Start at the Right End
Before beginning a swim, it’s important to decide which end of the pool you’ll start at. This helps ensure consistency when counting laps and will prevent any mixups down the line.
Count Each Lap Individually
When counting laps, be sure to count each lap individually. This helps prevent any confusion or miscalculations when tallying up total laps.
Check Your Count After Finishing
Once you’ve finished a swim, be sure to count all your laps again to make sure you have the accurate total. This prevents any discrepancies and ensures you have the correct lap total.
Tips for Keeping Track of Laps
Tracking laps can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to keep up with multiple swimmers. Here are a few tips to help make it easier:
Use a Lap Counter
A lap counter is a great tool for tracking laps, especially if you’re trying to keep track of multiple participants. Many lap counters are digital and can be adjusted to fit your own needs.
Make a Chart
If you don’t have access to a lap counter, you can always make your own chart to keep track of laps. Simply draw out the pool shape on the chart and mark off each lap as it’s completed.
Calculate Calories Burned
Once you’ve finished a swim, you can use the number of laps you completed to calculate the amount of calories you burned during the workout. This can help you stay on top of your fitness goals and give you an idea of how hard you’ve worked.
Conclusion
Knowing what a lap is and how to count them properly in swimming is key to accurately measuring progress and succeeding in the pool. By using a lap counter or creating a chart, you can easily keep track of laps and calculate calories burned during your swim. With the right tools and understanding of laps, you can take your swimming to the next level.
