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?
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.
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.
