Stroke rate adds another dimension to a set. It describes how often a movement repeats, not whether the movement is effective.
Agree on what you are counting
Some devices report complete stroke cycles while others count individual arm strokes. Check the convention for the stroke and device before comparing numbers or entering a tempo target.
Add a clear purpose
Write the target beside the set, for example: 8 × 50 Fly @ :45 Zone 5 34 spm. This is a syntax example, not a prescription for a particular swimmer. The coach chooses the pace, rate and recovery.
Use the tempo trainer deliberately
Explain what each beat represents. Start with a target the athlete understands, then watch how technique responds. A metronome is a cue, not a substitute for observation.
Review more than the number
Read rate alongside splits, stroke count and the swimmer’s feedback. Compare like-for-like sessions and keep notes about the conditions.