Omega blocks

RE: Omega blocks

Former Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 16:00:25 GMT

Can anyone with access to these blocks measure the distance between the front edge of the block and the leading edge of the back foot ramp at position 4 and 5? Even better if you could just give me the range of motion of the adjustable part. Like "at full forward position the distance from front edge of block to ramp is 12" and at full back its 16" etc. I am making a ratchetstrap/clamp on ramp so I can practice these blocks at home before nationals and get the feel even though i have a normal block here but I will need to know how far back to set it so I can duplicate the conditions available.

RE: Omega blocks

Former Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:46:45 GMT

Interesting. Does incline mean backboard then?

RE: Omega blocks

Former Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:34:37 GMT

Hi all We're about to use Omega blocks for the first time at our short course nationals in the UK. I don't currently use a track start but it would seem like I'd be looking a gift horse in the mouth not to use them.. However, I won't have the chance to practice in advance (apart from warm up). Any tips? Same issue for me re. our short course nationals, but we had some OSB12's to practice with during the Olympics. When I came back to masters swimming I tried the track start and timed 15m dives confirmed it was slower than the grab start I'd been taught as a youngster. We did the same tests again using the OSB12's and even the very first track start was quicker than grab. A bit of practice and we were all consistently quicker using OSB. Unfortunately they removed the OSB12's and we haven't been able to practice with them since. I've stuck with the track start in training, but tried to concentrate on pushing off with the back foot, which doesn't really help without the board, but I'm hoping will help it click into place on the day. The key is to figure out placement of the board - no 4 seems to be about right for 5'11-6'2, and maybe no 5 if taller. The first time a swimmer will use the backboard they will tend to place as much of the foot against it as possible - it feels natural. I found it's better to have the toes and front part of the sole on the board and the mid-sole and heel of it. I think most internationals tend to use that approach. It's a gamble though, I had a few starts go horribly wrong when we had them. Arms didnt meet to streamline before entry, too shallow, too deep, etc. One more thing to potentially 'worry' about on the day. For me the backboard was 0.3 - 0.4 quicker to 15M than the equivalent grab start.

RE: Omega blocks

Paul Smith — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:39:08 GMT

Side handles have more effect according to this study: www.usaswimming.org/ViewMiscArticle.aspx

RE: Omega blocks

AnnG — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 08:55:05 GMT

Love those blocks! You are gonna fly off them.

RE: Omega blocks

__steve__ — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 02:33:11 GMT

fmracing, specifications and brochures can be had here or call to get AutoCAD www.spectrumproducts.com/.../products.detail.htm

RE: Omega blocks

Former Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:12:38 GMT

Hmmm, you think it makes a difference in time?

RE: Omega blocks

Former Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:50:43 GMT

Thanks guys - I do sometimes do a track start in training.

RE: Omega blocks

Former Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 08:14:31 GMT

This article claims 0.2-0.4 seconds but without any testing: www.swimmingscience.net/.../omega-track-start-tragedies-part-i.html I don't think they help that much but haven't had the opportunity to try them yet. Edit: Here is the second part: www.swimmingscience.net/.../omega-track-start-tragedies-part-ii.html

RE: Omega blocks

Former Member — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 07:38:43 GMT

I think the back board has to be worth something...

RE: Omega blocks

orca1946 — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 04:49:29 GMT

I have never had a chance to use them.

RE: Omega blocks

__steve__ — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 08:13:41 GMT

I would at least get reacquainted with the track start on whatever old school blocks are available while keeping what the experts mentioned above in mind. Just so it wont be such a drastic transition.

RE: Omega blocks

Rich Abrahams — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 07:48:30 GMT

A couple of pointers: to restate what Glenn said re the position of the rear leg, have your foot high enough on the fin that your shin is approx. horizontal and your toes are pointed straight down. Feet are no wider than your hips. Others may disagree, but I think your stronger leg should be in front. No upward movement off the blocks, straight out. I love these blocks. Good luck.

RE: Omega blocks

Glenn — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 06:22:49 GMT

They are easy to use and you will like them. Just make sure that you know how to move them up and back. You want your back leg/knee to be at 90 degrees when your foot is on the back part of the block. Don't just accept the placement of the fin where the last swimmer had it, they can (and should) be moved if necessary. Have fun!