Hi everyone...okay, for my first post I have an etiquette question...I just joined a Master's team a month ago, so I'm pretty new to all of this.
My question is about passing people during practice. I know that theoretically, the standard procedure is to tap the person's feet to let them know you want to pass, and then they're supposed to stop and "pull over" at the next wall to let you get ahead. But do any of you actually do this a lot during practice? Do the people you pass let you do so without a problem, or do they get mad?
Maybe this doesn't sound like a big deal at all and it seems silly that I'm concerned, but I haven't seen anyone even attempt to pass someone else during our practices, and so I'm afraid it would be rude. Plus, some people I swim with seem like they'd get offended, since they're pretty competitive. But last night, I was getting kind of frustrated because I was swimming behind someone who was slower than me, and I felt like I could go so much faster...is the appropriate thing to do to just suck it up and enjoy the "break", or attempt to pass?
Early on, someone suggested that you discuss the approved passing protocol with the coach or your lane mates. A very wise decision.
I am all in favor of the foot tap, as it allows the passee to prepare to be passed, either to slow a bit, pause at the wall, do an open turn, whatever. This is in a perfect world where we all agree that at some time or other, 99% of all swimmers will be passed.
In reality, many Masters swimmers, particularly the fitness, sometimes the triathletes, do not know they are being passed. Or worse, actively do not want to be passed. In either case, you are stuck behind them until the end of the interval, unless you decide to cut a length short. Which now brands you as a cheater, and ruins your pace for the swim. you can blame it on the recalcitrant passee, but it is really up to you to pass safely if you need and are able to do so.
As for the ankle grab, it is a very useful training tool if everyone is aware that it is an approved tactic in the workout, but is usually only a college or High school ploy.
Early on, someone suggested that you discuss the approved passing protocol with the coach or your lane mates. A very wise decision.
I am all in favor of the foot tap, as it allows the passee to prepare to be passed, either to slow a bit, pause at the wall, do an open turn, whatever. This is in a perfect world where we all agree that at some time or other, 99% of all swimmers will be passed.
In reality, many Masters swimmers, particularly the fitness, sometimes the triathletes, do not know they are being passed. Or worse, actively do not want to be passed. In either case, you are stuck behind them until the end of the interval, unless you decide to cut a length short. Which now brands you as a cheater, and ruins your pace for the swim. you can blame it on the recalcitrant passee, but it is really up to you to pass safely if you need and are able to do so.
As for the ankle grab, it is a very useful training tool if everyone is aware that it is an approved tactic in the workout, but is usually only a college or High school ploy.
