Starts: How do you do this + video.

RE: Starts: How do you do this + video.

Former Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 14:39:10 GMT

One thing I realized when practicing starts, it takes alot of leg muscle. I started doing really deep knee bends when I brush my teeth every morning to help build my legs ups, I figure that's a good time for me to multitask. I do them slow like going down like I'm going to sit. I think the stronger your legs the more you can throw your self off the blocks. I'll also I think I notice that I don't just bring my arms out like in the video. I think I tend to grab the block then I push off I bend my elbows to then throw them forward. I think I've seen Micheal Phleps do this type of start - I could be wrong though. I'm going have my DD video tape my starts this week so I can see them and work on them. You might want to try doing that see, what you do can really help. I tried doing both grab and track starts, I do like the track start better, I feel more stable.

RE: Starts: How do you do this + video.

Former Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 13:43:41 GMT

I noticed from the color of the lane lines they didn't seem to "get" very far out when they enterted the water, unless the video wasn't clear. That's funny that you mentioned that - I noticed it after I watched the video multiple times. I'm going to talk to my coach about it this week... and see what I could/should do. I'm too bashful to post a video of myself. Hee! Thanks Donna!

RE: Starts: How do you do this + video.

Former Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 11:50:31 GMT

Sarah, Boy, if there were a way for you to post your start on youtube, please do it. The person doing this start, although it looked pretty sound, I noticed from the color of the lane lines they didn't seem to "get" very far out when they enterted the water, unless the video wasn't clear. I do know that many lunge off the blocks; using their legs to thrust them forward but their upper body (head and shoulders) are responsible for the angle and degree of the entry. donna

RE: Starts: How do you do this + video.

Former Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 11:05:44 GMT

Thanks for your advice... it looks as though the swimmer is arching her back at the beginning of her start (quickly after she leaves the block), then she proceeds to angle downwards to complete the dive - that arch is what I would like to gain in my start (is that the little kick you are talking about)? Thanks again, Sarah

RE: Starts: How do you do this + video.

FlyQueen — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 10:16:33 GMT

Sarah I clicked on the link thinking it was going to be you. Oh well ...

RE: Starts: How do you do this + video.

Former Member — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 08:34:58 GMT

The best way I can describe doing that... Think of it like diving through a hoop. You don't need a super fancy dive - it could just use up energy. 1. Start with your eyes pointed toward the edge of the block/bottom of the pool and grab the block. Don't look forward (no momentum to throw), don't look behind you (lots of distractions and could make you dizzy). 2. Your first motion is pulling/pushing your body foward by using your grip on the block. This is quickly followed by throwing your head forward and your arms follow at the same time (one very fast motion). 3. Extend your body in streamline position and have your fingers guide your body through the rest of the water. Don't pike your body like an upside-down V. Try kicking your legs up a little bit before entering the water to get that nice little whip start. I have long legs and I have a lot of trouble getting my body through that single "hoop" or "hole" my hands have already created. This may not make any sense...but it;s the best way I can describe it.