How should one prepare for starts when you're not allowed to use the blocks? Or even the side of the pool. The other day since I was the only one at the pool and the head lifeguard was on duty I got a chance to go off the blocks for the first time in a gazillion years. Holy moly! After diving in, completing a lap was a struggle. Could be my technique is gone, could be lack of strength (probably both) but the only thing for sure is a single start sucked the life out of me. Unfortunately, getting this opportunity was an anomaly and I can't count on getting to practice them again before the rare meet I can attend. I could go at length about the options I've looked into but the bottom line is getting opportunities for starts just isn't going to happen unless the moon and stars collide.
So what can I do to prep for starts?
Anything that I might be able to do in the pool to mimic the force I felt all around me (which I'm pretty sure was what sucked my energy)?
I feel like I asked this question years ago but I can't find any similar threads.
Thanks so much for your help!
I'm pretty sure that would get you kicked out at the YMCA here in town, especially if you didn't stop after the first dive. I can't imagine one dive would make all that much difference to the OP's technique.
I agree with Rob about the sprint/start lane at meets. Anything else would seem to be too involved (at least in my eyes), unless you happen to be looking for a team to join.
Obviously you stop if they tell you "no." But you'd be surprised how often nobody says anything.
I'm pretty sure that would get you kicked out at the YMCA here in town, especially if you didn't stop after the first dive. I can't imagine one dive would make all that much difference to the OP's technique.
I agree with Rob about the sprint/start lane at meets. Anything else would seem to be too involved (at least in my eyes), unless you happen to be looking for a team to join.
Obviously you stop if they tell you "no." But you'd be surprised how often nobody says anything.
