GRADE 8 CREATIVE ARTS AND SPORTS – SWIMMING Quiz
1. What is the correct way to breathe when doing the freestyle (front crawl) for longer swims?
In freestyle you turn the head to the side to take a quick breath while keeping the body streamlined; lifting the head causes drag and slows you down.
2. Which swimming stroke uses both arms moving forward together and a dolphin-style kick?
The butterfly stroke uses both arms moving symmetrically over the water with a dolphin kick from the hips.
3. In which position should you swim the backstroke?
Backstroke is performed lying on the back with the face up, allowing continuous breathing and specific arm and leg actions.
4. What is the usual way to start a pool race for freestyle, butterfly and breaststroke from the starting block?
Races such as freestyle, butterfly and breaststroke usually begin with a forward dive from the starting block to enter the water quickly and streamline.
5. How many lengths of a 50-metre pool make 100 metres?
One length of a 50-metre pool is 50 metres, so two lengths equal 100 metres.
6. Which body position reduces drag and helps you swim faster?
Staying horizontal and streamlined reduces resistance (drag) in the water and allows you to move more efficiently.
7. Why should swimmers do a warm-up before practising or racing?
Warm-ups increase blood flow, loosen muscles and joints, and reduce the risk of injury while preparing the body for harder work.
8. If you see someone struggling in deep water at a school pool, what should you do first?
Alerting a trained lifeguard or adult is the safest first action; untrained rescuers risk becoming victims themselves.
9. Which stroke is generally considered the fastest competitive stroke?
Freestyle, typically swum as the front crawl, is the fastest stroke due to efficient body position, alternating arm action and strong kick.
10. Which turn is commonly used at the wall for quick direction change in freestyle races?
Freestyle swimmers use a flip turn to quickly reverse direction by doing a forward somersault and pushing off the wall in streamline.
11. Which leg action is used in the breaststroke?
Breaststroke uses a frog or whip kick where the legs bend and sweep out then snap together to provide propulsion.
12. Which of these is a key tip for a safe and effective dive start?
A good dive start requires a streamlined body—arms straight overhead, head between arms—to enter the water with minimal resistance.
13. How can swimmers reduce the risk of swimmer’s ear and other ear problems?
Drying ears and not inserting objects helps prevent trapped water and infections; asking a coach or nurse for advice if problems persist is best.
14. What does 'stroke rate' mean in swimming training?
Stroke rate refers to how frequently a swimmer takes strokes (often measured per minute) and helps with pacing and efficiency.
15. Why are swim goggles important when practicing in the pool?
Goggles protect the eyes from irritation caused by pool chemicals and allow you to see clearly while swimming.
16. Which activity is a breathing drill suitable for young swimmers learning breath control?
Bubble blowing helps swimmers learn to exhale underwater and relax, which is fundamental for proper breathing technique.
17. What is the standard length of an Olympic-size swimming pool used in international competition?
Olympic and other long-course international competitions use 50-metre pools; many school pools are 25 metres (short-course).
18. During freestyle, when should you exhale while swimming?
Exhaling steadily underwater prevents a buildup of air and allows a quick, efficient inhale when you turn to breathe.
19. Which behaviour is appropriate on the pool deck at school to keep everyone safe?
Not running reduces the risk of slips and falls; other behaviours listed create hazards for swimmers and bystanders.
20. What is the best way to float on your back when learning to relax in the water?
Floating on your back requires relaxation, a flat body position and some air in the lungs to help buoyancy.
21. Which is a simple way for a swimmer to measure improvement during training?
Using timed repeats over the same distance allows swimmers to track progress objectively and adjust training.
22. Which major muscle groups are most used when swimming?
Swimming is a whole-body activity that relies on shoulders and back for pulling, legs for kicking and core for body stability.
23. In an individual medley race, what is the correct order of strokes for 100m IM or 200m IM?
The individual medley order is butterfly first, then backstroke, then breaststroke, and freestyle last.
24. What is meant by the 'streamline' position after a push-off from the wall?
A proper streamline reduces drag after a push-off by keeping the body long, with arms extended and head tucked between them.
25. How should a swimmer practice improving their turns at the wall?
Improving turns involves practising a quick approach, performing the correct turn efficiently, and pushing off strongly into a good streamline.