A

A-Grade Meet Graded

Swim meet which requires swimmers to have previously achieved an 'A, time' standard in the events they wish to enter.

ASA

The Amateur Swimming Association - the governing body of British swimming.

Age Group

Division of swimmers according to age.

Age on Day

The age a swimmer is on the day of the competition that they are competing in (this date will be stated by the organizer).

Alternate Breathing

In freestyle swimming, breathing to the right side then swimming three strokes and breathing to the left side, then swimming three strokes and breathing the to right side, etc.

Anaerobic Training

Training that improves your efficiency of your body's energy producing systems that do not require oxygen and can increase your muscular strength and tolerance for acid-base imbalances (such as the production of lactic acid) during high intensity effort.

Anchor

The final swimmer in a relay.

Anchor

The point in the stroke pattern where the hand feels the most resistance and begins effective propulsive movement.

Angle of Attack

The position or degree of angle that the hand enters the water.

Ascending

Intervals or swims that increase in repeat time or decrease in speed

B

B-Grade Meet

Swim meet which sometimes requires swimmers to have previously achieved a 'B' time standard in the events they wish to enter (these are less demanding than 'A' grade meets, but which will not allow swimmers to win medals if they go faster than a certain time.

Backstroke

One of the 4 competitive racing strokes, basically any style of swimming on your back. Backstroke is swum as the first stroke in the Medley Relay and second stroke in the I. M.

Balance

Refers to body position. Proper balance implies that your hips and head position are equally close to the surface of the water as you swim, as well as rolling equally to each side during the freestyle and backstroke.

Beep

The starting sound from an electronic timing system.

Bilateral Breathing

In freestyle swimming, breathing to the right side then swimming three strokes and breathing to the left side, then swimming three strokes and breathing the to right side, etc.

Blocks

The starting platforms located behind each lane. Blocks have a variety of designs and can be permanent or removable, but also incorporate a bar to allow swimmers to perform backstroke starts.

Body Position

The way your body sits in the water during swimming.  Ideal body position requires that your body is as straight and long and as close the surface of the water as possible.

Body Roll:

Refers to freestyle and backstroke swimming. Rolling from the left of your body to the right side and back again.

Bottom

The floor of the pool. In some pools these re movable to allow variation in the depth and use of the pool.

Breaststroke

One of the 4 competitive racing strokes. Breaststroke is swum as the second stroke in the Medley Relay and the third stroke in the I.M.

Butterfly

One of the 4 competitive racing strokes. Butterfly (nicknamed FLY) is swum as the third stroke in the Medley Relay and first stroke in the I.M.