What do you mean by Stroke Count (SC) and what is it for?

For our purposes, we usually mean number of strokes per 25m length.  Stroke Count (SC) synonyms also include SPL (strokes per length) and DPS (distance per stroke - although this refers to a specific practice that examines what distance you can cover in a given number of strokes).

We also use the term gear to refer to a regularly achieveable stroke count that correlates with a speed for a given distance (with the intention of swimming faster and faster as you change gears while still staying in control). 

For example:

Baseline: SC = 15 (this is your average stroke count)

Gear 1: SC = 16

Gear 2: SC = 17

Gear 3: SC = 18...etc...

As a general guideline, once you have lots of experience counting strokes and gauging your speed at each stroke count, you will look to develop gears appropriate for your swimming event.

You can count strokes over any distance and use it to help you gauge efficiency.

For example:

  • SC for 25m short course pool
  • SC for 50m long course pool
  • SC for known open water course (swim to a buoy)

Note: Achieving the lowest SC possible is usually not something you should try to do for its own sake. However, it can be a revealing exercise.