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?
I think body type & comfort are the most important factors in deciding which start is best for you.I have no doubt the grab start is best for short breaststrokers (like me,especially if it's what you have been using for 32 years.) I suspect so many college swimmers use the track start because thats what they were taught as age groupers.They were taught because it's easier to teach.
I think body type & comfort are the most important factors in deciding which start is best for you.I have no doubt the grab start is best for short breaststrokers (like me,especially if it's what you have been using for 32 years.) I suspect so many college swimmers use the track start because thats what they were taught as age groupers.They were taught because it's easier to teach.
