Hi again,
I watched the Pan Pacs last weekend and noticed most everyone is using the track start now. Does anyone know who gets credit for introducing the track start to the swimming world? If so, when was it introduced? As a starting point, I will admit switching to the track start in my sophomore year in college- way back in nineteen hundred and eighty four.
I also noticed everyone, including the sprinters, is putting the underwater butterfly kick to good effect. I was pretty surprised to see the 50m folks using it as well. It appeared that they were doing about 3 dophin kicks and then exploding to the top with a freestyle kick. Please correct me if I'm wrong here.
Racer X
Parents
Former Member
I am glad Jeff posted on this topic. I completely agree with him. The track start may be better from some, but I don't think it is better for all. The fact that so many use a track start does not make it the better start technique.
All swimmers should experiment with both start techniques and determine which is faster.
Personally, I like the stability, consistency and trajectory that I gain from a grab start.
This article gives some interesting background and data on the two starts (it also gives a pitch for a new Trademarked start).
I am glad Jeff posted on this topic. I completely agree with him. The track start may be better from some, but I don't think it is better for all. The fact that so many use a track start does not make it the better start technique.
All swimmers should experiment with both start techniques and determine which is faster.
Personally, I like the stability, consistency and trajectory that I gain from a grab start.
This article gives some interesting background and data on the two starts (it also gives a pitch for a new Trademarked start).
