Ways to reduce drag in sports to enhance performance

Drag force is the force acting to oppose the motion of a body or object moving through a fluid medium (air or water). Three types of drag occur in sports: surface, form, and wave. In sports involving high speed, competitions are often won by milliseconds (e.g. 100m race). Drag acting upon the athlete is usually the most significant challenge they have to fight against. Even a slight reduction of drag can create an advantage in their sports performance (Oggiano, 2010).

Ways to reduce the 3 types of drag in sports

Surface drag is caused when a body or object makes contact with the surface of the fluid medium. For example, body hair causes drag and resistance in the water. Hence, many athletes shave their body hair before swimming competitions to reduce their drag in the water, thereby enhancing their swimming speed. Swimmers also wear smooth and skin-tight swim attire and equipment to decrease drag. This will allow them to pull themselves in the water faster and optimise their performance (Hancock, 2021).

Figure 1: Aerodynamic cycling helmets

Additionally, form drag is another type of drag caused by the shape of the body or object disrupting fluid flow. However, utilising aerodynamic equipment, such as a helmet specifically designed for cycling, can help minimise the resistance acting upon the athlete (Figure 1). These helmets have a smooth surface that allows air to flow over the top of the helmet more easily (aerosensor, n.d.). Furthermore, maintaining a “streamlined” position like the cyclist’s aero tuck (as shown in the figure) keeps the body as flat and horizontal as possible, reducing the surface area that pushes against the fluid. This decreases drag and makes the rider more aerodynamic, which enhances their cycling speed. 

Lastly, wave drag occurs when opposing forces caused by the body or object create waves in the fluid. For instance, swimming lane lines are specifically designed to keep swimmers in line and prevent collisions, but this equipment also helps reduce wave drag and turbulence from other swimmers, allowing athletes to move through cleaner water with less resistance, ultimately improving their speed and performance (Competitor Swim, 2024).

Therefore, minimising drag in sports can provide a crucial competitive advantage opportunity. By optimising body positioning and equipment design, athletes can reduce resistance and friction, thereby maximising their performance. 

Reference List

aerosensor (n.d.). The Science of Speed: Aerodynamic Drag in Cycling. [online] Aerosensor. Available at: https://aerosensor.tech/pages/the-science-of-speed-aerodynamic-drag-in-cycling [Accessed 29 Mar. 2025].

Competitor Swim (2024). The Science Behind Swimming Lane Lines: How They Reduce Turbulence and Improve Performance. [online] Competitor Swim. Available at: https://www.competitorswim.com/the-science-behind-swimming-lane-lines-how-they-reduce-turbulence-and-improve-performance/ [Accessed 29 Mar. 2025].

Hancock, M. (2021). What’s up with tight swim suits. [online] Forest Hills Tidal Waves. Available at: https://foresthillstidalwaves.com/whats-up-with-tight-swim-suits/  [Accessed 29 Mar. 2025].

Oggiano, L. (2010). Drag reduction and aerodynamic performances in Olympic sports. [online] NTNU Open. Available at: https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/handle/11250/234145 [Accessed 29 Mar. 2025].