Starts. Most of us don't get to practice them enough. More people have questions than answers,but I wanted to start a thread for both.
I did the grab start for many years and was convinced that since it gave me 2 legs with even thrust that it should be better for me. A Forumite explained the physics of why the track start would be faster,so I have gone to the track start. It had the surprising advantage of being much easier on my back. With the track start I had more trouble consistently getting a clean entry.I saw the Olympians were getting into the starting position(albeit relaxed) well before "take your marks."I tried it and found it was easier to get my foot position and balance exactly like I wanted it,making for more consistent entries.
Starts. Most of us don't get to practice them enough. More people have questions than answers,but I wanted to start a thread for both.
I did the grab start for many years and was convinced that since it gave me 2 legs with even thrust that it should be better for me. A Forumite explained the physics of why the track start would be faster,so I have gone to the track start. It had the surprising advantage of being much easier on my back. With the track start I had more trouble consistently getting a clean entry.I saw the Olympians were getting into the starting position(albeit relaxed) well before "take your marks."I tried it and found it was easier to get my foot position and balance exactly like I wanted it,making for more consistent entries.
We teach our kids to have a consistent start routine. We teach them to get up on the block position the feet shoulder width apart with toes curled over the front of the block, then to take one one foot straight back. When the starter tells the swimmers to take there mark the swimmer is in the start position and does not need to move. It amazes me how many swimmers just get up and sort of wing it. Often the foot that goes back crosses over the bodies center line and the swimmer is off balance. A consistent method to get into the same start position that evenly distributes the body weight is key. Good luck!
Starts. Most of us don't get to practice them enough. More people have questions than answers,but I wanted to start a thread for both.
I did the grab start for many years and was convinced that since it gave me 2 legs with even thrust that it should be better for me. A Forumite explained the physics of why the track start would be faster,so I have gone to the track start. It had the surprising advantage of being much easier on my back. With the track start I had more trouble consistently getting a clean entry.I saw the Olympians were getting into the starting position(albeit relaxed) well before "take your marks."I tried it and found it was easier to get my foot position and balance exactly like I wanted it,making for more consistent entries.
We teach our kids to have a consistent start routine. We teach them to get up on the block position the feet shoulder width apart with toes curled over the front of the block, then to take one one foot straight back. When the starter tells the swimmers to take there mark the swimmer is in the start position and does not need to move. It amazes me how many swimmers just get up and sort of wing it. Often the foot that goes back crosses over the bodies center line and the swimmer is off balance. A consistent method to get into the same start position that evenly distributes the body weight is key. Good luck!
