Integrating Skill Development and Water Confidence in Freestyle Swimming: An Application-Based Training Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29408/porkes.v9i2.34104Keywords:
Application-Based; Freestyle Swimming; Motor Skill Development; Swimming Pedagogy Water ConfidenceAbstract
This study aimed to develop and evaluate an application-based training model that integrates technical skill development and water confidence in freestyle swimming. A research and development approach was employed using the ADDIE framework, encompassing analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation stages. The developed model was implemented through a mobile application featuring progressive freestyle swimming drills, visual demonstrations, and confidence-oriented learning activities. Participants consisted of 20 freestyle swimmers selected through simple random sampling. Model validity was examined through expert review using Aiken’s V coefficient, while practicality was assessed based on responses from coaches and swimmers. Effectiveness was evaluated using a pretest–posttest design and analyzed with nonparametric statistics. The results indicated high content validity and practicality of the training model. Significant improvements were observed in overall freestyle swimming skills following implementation, with notable gains in breathing coordination, arm-leg coordination, and movement efficiency. Improvements in observable confidence-related behaviors, such as more relaxed breathing patterns and stable body alignment, were also identified. These findings suggest that integrating skill-oriented drills with confidence-enhancing strategies within an application-based framework can effectively support motor learning in aquatic environments. In conclusion, the proposed training model offers a theoretically grounded and practically feasible approach to improving freestyle swimming skills and water confidence. The integration of digital technology, motor learning principles, and confidence-oriented pedagogy provides a valuable contribution to swimming education and coaching practice.
References
Alamri, H. A. (2021). Learning Technology Models that Support Personalization within Blended Learning Environments in Higher Education. TechTrends, 65(1), 62–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-020-00530-3
Alkasasbeh, W. J., Alawamleh, T., Aloran, H., Farash, T., & Orhan, B. E. (2024). The Impact of Mobile-Assisted Swimming Applications on Intrinsic Motivation and Fear Reduction in Aquatic Environments Among Students in the Swimming Course. Front. Sports Act. Living, 6(1496733), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1496733
Amaro, N. M., Marinho, D. A., Marques, M. C., Batalha, N. P., & Morouço, P. G. (2017). Effects of Dry-Land Strength and Conditioning Programs in Age Group Swimmers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(9), 2447–2454. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001709
Bíró, M., Revesz, L., & Péter, H. (2015). Swimming: History, Technique, Teaching. EKC Líceum Press. http://oszkdk.oszk.hu/beszolgaltatas/index.php
Coelho, D., Eira, P., & Azevedo, A. (2025). Fear of the Aquatic Environment in Learning Swimming: Causes, Effects, and Learning Methodologies. In Education Sciences 15(6). pp. 760). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15060760
Dobra, V.-A., Dobra, I.-M., Folea, S., & Sabau, R. (2025). Real-Time Feedback in Swimming Exercises Using Embedded Devices in Water. In Applied Sciences 15(12). pp. 6771. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126771
Farrow, D., & Robertson, S. (2017). Development of a Skill Acquisition Periodisation Framework for High-Performance Sport. Sports Medicine, 47(6), 1043–1054. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0646-2
Fone, L., & Van den Tillaar, R. (2022). Effect of Different Types of Strength Training on Swimming Performance in Competitive Swimmers: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine - Open, 8(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00410-5
Haibach-Beach, P. S., Perreault, M., Brian, A., & Collier, D. H. (2023). Motor Learning and Development (Third Edit). Human kinetics.
Kessler, G. (2018). Technology and the Future of Language Teaching. Foreign Language Annals, 51(1), 205–218. https://doi.org/10.1111/flan.12318
Light, R. (2014). Learner-Centred Pedagogy for Swim Coaching: a Complex Learning Theory-Informed Approach. Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education, 5(2), 167–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/18377122.2014.906056
Lumban, S. D. P. & Maidarman, M. (2019). Analisis Teknik Gerak Renang Gaya Bebas. Jurnal Patriot, 1(2), 799-809. http://patriot.ppj.unp.ac.id/index.php/patriot/article/view/372
McGibbon, K. E., Pyne, D. B., Shephard, M. E., & Thompson, K. G. (2018). Pacing in Swimming: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 48(7), 1621–1633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0901-9
Morais, J. E., Oliveira, J. P., Sampaio, T., & Barbosa, T. M. (2022). Wearables in Swimming for Real-Time Feedback: A Systematic Review. In Sensors 22(10), pp. 3677. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22103677
Renshaw, I., Davids, K., & Sullivan, M. (2022). Learning and Performing: what Can Theory Offer High Performance Sports Practitioners? Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior, 16(2), 162–178. https://doi.org/10.20338/bjmb.v16i2.280
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2020). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation From a Self-Determination theory Perspective: Definitions, Theory, Practices, and Future Directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 61, 101860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2020.101860
Schmidt, R. A., Lee, T. D., Winstein, C. J., Wulf, G., & Zelaznik, H. N. (2019). Motor Control and Learning: A Behavioral Emphasis. Human Kinetics.
Šamija, I., Sporiš, G., & Šamija, K. (2016). Self-efficacy Scale Construction and Validation in Swimming. Acta Kinesiologica, 10(1), 33-37.
Seifert, L., Komar, J., Barbosa, T., Toussaint, H., Millet, G., & Davids, K. (2014). Coordination Pattern Variability Provides Functional Adaptations to Constraints in Swimming Performance. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 44(10), 1333–1345. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0210-x
Sumartana, I. M., & Setiaji, Y. (2025). The Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Swimming : Enhancing Fitness, Relaxation, Endurance, and Overall Well-Being. Journal of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Studies, 1(2), 88–100.
Tomescu, G., Bălan, V., Aivaz, K.-A., & Zahiu, M. (2025). The Benefits of Practicing Physical Activity in the Aquatic Environment on Health and Quality of Life. In Healthcare 13(9) pp. 1053). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13091053
Williams, A. M., & Hodges, N. J. (2023). Effective Practice and Instruction: A Skill Acquisition Framework for Excellence. Journal of Sports Sciences, 41(9), 833–849. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2023.2240630
Zamparo, P., Cortesi, M., & Gatta, G. (2020). The Energy Cost of Swimming and its Determinants. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 120(1), 41–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04270-y
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Rossa Linda Ardiningsih, Akhmad Sobarna, Sumbara Hambali
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Jurnal Porkes is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International License
