As an older backstroke swimmer, I am having difficulty with my backstroke start. I seem to pancake on the surface, then go under water. I am wondering if it would be faster to simply do an underwater push off from the wall at the start. I know I can time myself, which I am planning to do. Does anyone have a thought about this? Thanks.
As an older backstroke swimmer, I am having difficulty with my backstroke start. I seem to pancake on the surface, then go under water. I am wondering if it would be faster to simply do an underwater push off from the wall at the start. I know I can time myself, which I am planning to do. Does anyone have a thought about this? Thanks.
Check out this post on "The Backstroke Lane" thread. James posted a video of his gutter start:
forums.usms.org/showthread.php?16587-The-Backstroke-Lane&p=276908&viewfull=1#post276908
I have the same problem on my backstroke start, in addition to ending up with a sore back afterward! As a breaststroker who rarely races backstroke events, I feel like there HAS TO BE a better (and more enjoyable) way. James demonstrates it perfectly in the first video. And, I am seriously thinking of giving it a try at my next meet! :agree:
Check out this post on "The Backstroke Lane" thread. James posted a video of his gutter start:
forums.usms.org/showthread.php?16587-The-Backstroke-Lane&p=276908&viewfull=1#post276908
I have the same problem on my backstroke start, in addition to ending up with a sore back afterward! As a breaststroker who rarely races backstroke events, I feel like there HAS TO BE a better (and more enjoyable) way. James demonstrates it perfectly in the first video. And, I am seriously thinking of giving it a try at my next meet! :agree:
Elaine...you'll end up with a big DQ if you do it though. I got DQ'd for it in a meet in November. It actually is in the rule book under "Starts". For backstroke, both hands must be on the blocks or wall at the start.
But I do look damn good in the video. :D
Elaine...you'll end up with a big DQ if you do it though. I got DQ'd for it in a meet in November. It actually is in the rule book under "Starts". For backstroke, both hands must be on the blocks or wall at the start.
But I do look damn good in the video. :D
:afraid:Thanks for the heads-up on that one! I'm still thinking a two-handed gutter start might be better for me; the same way I start backstroke from a push-off during training. I'm thinking of having my coach (now my training partner) time me both ways and see which is quicker. And, yes, James, you look pretty damn good; that's one fast start! :chug:
A few years ago I read a tip from Ande that said to hold your knees at 90 degrees when you take your mark. I do this and it works great, I rip almost every entry. The only time I have a bad backstroke start is if my feet slip, which is rare.
