In Rushall's paper on sprinting he recommends the forward leaning start.Several years ago I read an article on a forward leaning start,but that was a grab start. I practiced it for awhile and went to a local meet. I was disappointed with my results and a referee I respect told me that I needed to practice it more if I was going to use it in a meet as I was unsteady on the blocks and near a DQ.I gave up on it as a waste of time until I read Rushall's article. I tried it with a track start a couple of times.I felt steady on the blocks and fast off the block,but I didn't feel my jump was as strong. The only pool I use that lets me use the blocks regularly suffered storm damage and is closed at least a month so I haven't had the chance to get times to 15M to see how it compares with my standard start.I have never seen anyone use this start at a meet. Do any Forumites have experience with it and what are your results?
I have found with some of the people that I train that they lean back in track start position, obviously this is mental trick the brain seems to think that you will get more power from trying get momentum off the blocks. The answer is simple if Micheal Phelps, James Magnuessun and other Olympic level swimmer don't do it then neither should others. From what i have seen if the swimmer can use the track start and hold the balance over the ball of their front foot then the reaction time seems to be slightly fast. However it does take some training to get used to.
However these are my thoughts and welcome feed back :)
Thank you.I started using the slingshot start from watching Ian Crocker, who had a very fast start.
I have found with some of the people that I train that they lean back in track start position, obviously this is mental trick the brain seems to think that you will get more power from trying get momentum off the blocks. The answer is simple if Micheal Phelps, James Magnuessun and other Olympic level swimmer don't do it then neither should others. From what i have seen if the swimmer can use the track start and hold the balance over the ball of their front foot then the reaction time seems to be slightly fast. However it does take some training to get used to.
However these are my thoughts and welcome feed back :)
Thank you.I started using the slingshot start from watching Ian Crocker, who had a very fast start.
