Reducing resistance is probably the fastest way to improve performance and the most efficient to reduce energetic cost. Therefore, the aim of this study was twofold: (i) to give advice to coaches to re-orient their training sessions towards reduction of resistance forces and suggest exercises for its improvement and, (ii) to develop and apply a new test for the evaluation of gliding. The proposed gliding test evaluated the maximum speed reached by the swimmer after push-off and the passive hydrodynamic resistance when gliding through the water. A well-balanced solution between accuracy, validity and applicability for the evaluation of underwater glide was found.
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