What is considered a "Lap" in the pool?

Question

I just started swimming (as exercise, I have known how to swim since I was a kid) and have been doing some reading. Some training programs refer to number of laps...does that mean one length of the pool? Or is it there and back (returning to the same side)? Obviously, it would make a big difference!

Answer 1

well im and all year round swimmer and ive always thought that a laps is just from one side of the pool to the other

try not to focus on just doing laps but make sure yyour technique is right or you'll be wasting your time

Answer 2

I would say 50 mtr

Answer 3

Actually, it's the length of an Olympic size swimming pool times 2. (official definition).

So, yes, it would be 2 times 50 meters, or 100 meters of swimming. (not 50 yards -- Note, a meter is slightly shorter than a yard)

Makes sense, since it's like a lap around a track.  You return to where you started.

And as lap in a small pool, will not equal the lap in an olympic size pool or bigger.

Good question, something people normally don't think about

Answer 4

I have been a compettitive swimmer for 10 years. 1 lap=1 50

Answer 5

there and back  

Answer 6

It is there and back, or like swimming the perimeter around the pool if it were round. Just like in track for 1 lap you have to run the whole track

Answer 7

it's there and back. 1 lap.

Answer 8

2 lenghts

Answer 9

one side of the pool to the other

Answer 10

a lap is considered down and back (a 50)

Answer 11

its swimming to the end of  the pool and back

Answer 12

i think one lap is THERE and BACK..thats how it is in my PE class.

Answer 13

Sue,

You opened a can of worms with your question. However, because it has been a 'pet peeve' of mine because people misuse it so often I'm going to give your question a star.

<-stepping up on the soap box->

A Lap is

* One complete round or circuit, especially of a racetrack.

* One complete length of a straight course, as of a swimming pool.

It seems that these are not consistent with each other as I would think that after a lap of a course you'd be back where you started. If you lap someone in the pool you are passing them after you are two 'lengths' ahead of them.

I guess people having been mis-using the term so long that even the dictionary has been changed to reflect this modern way of thinking.

A lap is actually 'down and back' to the original point, thus making it two lengths. Your training program is most likely talking about one length of the pool though. It's no wonder you're confused.

The distance of a 'lap' depends on what the length of your pool. If your pool is 16 2/3 yards in length then this training program is suggesting that a lap is 16 2/3 yards. If your pool is 25 meters in length then the program suggests it is 25 meters. If it's an olympic size pool then the program suggests it is 50 meters.

Your training program should specify the length of the pool though. i.e. If your program specifies you to swim 16 laps of a 25 meter pool then they mean 400 meters.

<-standing back down->

(I still stand by the fact that a lap is truly 2 lengths by definition and not one.)

Hope this helped (as to opposed to confusing you more)

Answer 14

fr us jus go to the end of the pool and thats a lap

Answer 15

One lenght and back