Track start vs. Traditional start?

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?
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Forgot to mention that either start can be ineffective if done poorly ! I swam in our local meet this last weekend and used my famous grab start, as usual. I have no idea how it happened, but I landed flat as a pancake.....not too streamlined, that's for sure ! The worst part of it is, I drenched the Referee and Starter from my position in lane #1. Good thing I know those people and vice-versa, so they knew it wasn't deliberate. Hadn't done one of those in 40 years............... Very embarrassing ! Bert PS: Maybe I need more practice than 2 sprints at the meet.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Forgot to mention that either start can be ineffective if done poorly ! I swam in our local meet this last weekend and used my famous grab start, as usual. I have no idea how it happened, but I landed flat as a pancake.....not too streamlined, that's for sure ! The worst part of it is, I drenched the Referee and Starter from my position in lane #1. Good thing I know those people and vice-versa, so they knew it wasn't deliberate. Hadn't done one of those in 40 years............... Very embarrassing ! Bert PS: Maybe I need more practice than 2 sprints at the meet.
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