Biomechanical and Technical Indicators of Talent Identification and Swimming Performance in Young Swimmers

<p>The identification of talented young swimmers is a major focus in sports science, with increasing attention being directed toward biomechanical and technical indicators associated with future performance. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence regarding biomechanical and technical factors related to swimming performance and talent identification in young competitive swimmers. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases following PRISMA guidelines. Eleven studies published between 2007 and 2023 met the inclusion criteria. The findings consistently demonstrated that higher-performing young swimmers exhibited superior biomechanical profiles characterized by higher stroke index, optimal combinations of stroke frequency and stroke length, greater swimming velocity, lower velocity fluctuations, and enhanced propulsive efficiency. Among these variables, stroke index emerged as the most consistent predictor of swimming performance and potential future success. Longitudinal studies further emphasized the importance of monitoring the development of these characteristics throughout growth and maturation. Overall, the evidence suggests that biomechanical and technical indicators should complement competition outcomes in talent identification programs and may provide valuable information for supporting long-term athlete development in youth swimming.</p>