Underwater Phase Meaning in Swimming

The underwater phase is the period of a race spent beneath the surface following a start or a turn. This phase is often called the ‘fifth stroke’ because it is so critical to a swimmer’s overall success and speed. It begins the moment the swimmer enters the water and ends when their head breaks the surface to start swimming. A swimmer focuses on their underwater phase to maintain the speed gained from their explosive dive. During this time, the athlete must remain as still and streamlined as possible while using their legs for power. Mastering this phase is what separates intermediate swimmers from elite, record-breaking champions.