The Contribution of Arm Muscle Strength to the 50-Meter Freestyle Swimming Speed of Neptune Swimming Course Athletes

This study aims to analyze the relationship between arm muscle strength, measured through the pull-up test, and the 50-meter freestyle swimming speed of Neptune Swimming Course athletes. The research employs a quantitative approach with a correlational technique, involving 21 athletes aged 8-15 years. Data were collected through pull-up tests and 50-meter freestyle swimming speed tests, then analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, Pearson Product Moment correlation, and simple regression analysis. The results indicate a significant negative correlation between the number of pull-ups and swimming time, with a correlation value of r = -0.694 (p 0.01), meaning that the more pull-ups performed, the faster the swimming time. Regression analysis shows that arm muscle strength contributes 48.1% to swimming speed variation, while other factors contribute 51.9%. This study concludes that arm muscle strength training plays a crucial role in improving 50-meter freestyle swimming speed. Therefore, it is recommended as part of an athlete's training program, alongside other aspects such as swimming technique, endurance, and flexibility, to achieve optimal results.