Backstroke Start - traditional or underwater push off?

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:

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: