Since getting back into masters swimming after a long (12 year) hiatus I've been playing around with the track start which came into vogue after my first "retirement". I'm still torn between the two and have been trying to find what fits me best.
The last month or so I've had a chance to watch ASU, UA, Auburn and UNLV swim meets and what's interesting is that I only saw one or two swimmers using a traditonal "grab" start. I know a few of these coaches and they all said the same thing, it's hands down the fastest start of the two.
Recently a new group has introduced a program caller "PowerStarts" (www.quickgetaway.com) which advocates the complete opposite philosophy. By the way, I'm NOT endorsing this TI type program but do find it interesting!!!
I've had a chance to discuss some of this with Wayne and have basically come to the conclusion that a traditonal grab (power start style) start still works best for my body type (and lack of fast twitch ability!). I do however need to commit the workout time to run a series of 15 M sprints and see what really works.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
What's intersting about this Phil is that there is such a huge difference between the preferences of the two starts between Masters vs. Elite USS and College atheletes.
Last weekend ASU men (#11 in the US) swam against Auburn (#2) and few of us were able to attend. Without exception every swimmer on both teams in every event used a track start (from a 45.2 100 free to a 1:47 200 fly to a 9:20 100 free).
On the other hand it was mentioned earlier in this thread that the vast majority of Masters swimmers in New Zealand used a traditonal grab (I'm sure quite a few used your arm swing technique as well).
Another observation, ALL of the relay swimmers stood toward the back of the blocks and took a quick, short step forward into the dive. Very cool.
Interesting discussion, Wayne still waiting to hear from ya!
What's intersting about this Phil is that there is such a huge difference between the preferences of the two starts between Masters vs. Elite USS and College atheletes.
Last weekend ASU men (#11 in the US) swam against Auburn (#2) and few of us were able to attend. Without exception every swimmer on both teams in every event used a track start (from a 45.2 100 free to a 1:47 200 fly to a 9:20 100 free).
On the other hand it was mentioned earlier in this thread that the vast majority of Masters swimmers in New Zealand used a traditonal grab (I'm sure quite a few used your arm swing technique as well).
Another observation, ALL of the relay swimmers stood toward the back of the blocks and took a quick, short step forward into the dive. Very cool.
Interesting discussion, Wayne still waiting to hear from ya!
