Stroke rate (or stroke tempo) is the number of strokes taken per minute. Combined with distance per stroke, it determines swimming speed. Faster is not always better: sprinters use high stroke rates, while distance swimmers find a sustainable tempo that keeps the stroke long and efficient. A tempo trainer beeper helps swimmers hold a target rate during sets.
Key points
- Strokes per minute (tempo)
- With distance-per-stroke, sets speed
- Sprinters high, distance swimmers efficient
- Held using a tempo trainer