Pacing is arguably more crucial for optimal performance in swimming than in land-based sports, however little is known about the process of developing pacing skills in swimmers. The aim of this study was to examine the current practices of high-performance swimming coaches in relation to pacing entrainment and competition preparation. Twenty-one swimming coaches who were currently coaching or had coached swimmers at national open, international age or international open level, participated in a semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts were examined using hierarchical content (qualitative) analysis to identify general dimensions, higher-order themes and sub-themes. Data were categorised into two main areas: training and competition. The general dimensions of monitoring, pacing aids, periodisation and training for multiple events emerged within training; whereas optimal strategy, racing, warm up swims and multiple main events emerged within competition. Coaches identified the importance of a highly individualised approach based on swimmer needs and characteristics. However, the difficulty in achieving this goal when working with large groups of swimmers was identified as a challenge. Although swimming is a time-based sport, efficient technique and pacing were considered vital to success. Despite this, it appears that key variables including stroke rate, stroke count, split times and rating of perceived exertion were not monitored by a number of coaches. These parameters are likely important tools to maximise pacing skill development, especially in young swimmers. However, given the current lack of information on how athletes learn and develop pacing skills, coaches would benefit from evidence-based guidelines in this area.

中文翻译：

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高性能游泳教练在节奏技巧发展和比赛准备方面的当代实践

可以说，起搏对于游泳的最佳表现比在陆上运动中更重要，但对游泳运动员发展起搏技能的过程知之甚少。本研究的目的是检查高性能游泳教练在起搏夹带和比赛准备方面的当前做法。21名目前在国家公开、国际年龄或国际公开级别执教或曾执教过游泳运动员的游泳教练参加了半结构化面试。使用分层内容（定性）分析来检查访谈记录，以确定一般维度、高阶主题和子主题。数据分为两个主要领域：训练和比赛。监测、起搏辅助设备的一般维度，培训中出现了多个事件的周期和培训；而最佳策略、竞速、热身游泳和多项主要赛事在比赛中出现。教练们确定了基于游泳者需求和特点的高度个性化方法的重要性。然而，在与大量游泳者合作时实现这一目标的困难被认为是一个挑战。尽管游泳是一项基于时间的运动，但有效的技术和节奏被认为是成功的关键。尽管如此，许多教练似乎并未监测包括划水率、划水次数、分段时间和感知用力等级在内的关键变量。这些参数可能是最大限度地提高起搏技能发展的重要工具，尤其是在年轻游泳运动员中。然而，