I am attempting to perfect my start and turns for the breaststroke. I recently reviewed three articles on the breaststroke turn which I found on the USMS web site. All had different recommendations for the turn pullout. The article by Budd Termin and David Pendergast recommended holding for 1 second after pushing off the wall before beginning the pullout. Another by Wayne McCauley recommended 3 seconds. Another by John Moffet just says "as you begin to slow down, start your pullout." I know there has to be an optimum time and it may be somewhat swimmer dependent, but the difference I see between these three authors is huge. Can anyone help me understand this dilemma. Ray
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Former Member
I would scratch the whole counting thing. The pullout needs to begin when you begin to lose momentum from your pushoff. Seconds are just an arbitrary number in this case, but the power of your pushoff and the quality of your streamline are going to dictate when the pullout needs to begin.
2-3 might very well be an accurate number for the majority of swimmers the majority of the time but I think you will be better served in the long run to make this decision on the fly, and not on a countdown.
Not to nit-pick but thats why Allen and I said time yourself over a set distance. That way you will know your count--momentum is down to perception. Obviously you should re-check this start every now and then to see how it changes as your streamline improves etc. However some may sense their momentum bettter than others. I tend to finish the break out a little too soon...going by my video...thats why an accurate time over a set distance will help guide you in to the right time. At least that's my take on the theory and what to aim for. Let me put it this way: If Allen and Wayne say it about Breaststroke...it's pretty darn good advice.
Last note, different BR races will require different breakout distance. 50 BR needs to be before you slow past your sprint speed. Longer races where you will "swim out" a little easier you can stay down longer (and thus slow a little more) if you can do it (I am still battling with this myself).
...most importantly though...yes, why are freestylers giving out advice on a man's stroke?
:p
I would scratch the whole counting thing. The pullout needs to begin when you begin to lose momentum from your pushoff. Seconds are just an arbitrary number in this case, but the power of your pushoff and the quality of your streamline are going to dictate when the pullout needs to begin.
2-3 might very well be an accurate number for the majority of swimmers the majority of the time but I think you will be better served in the long run to make this decision on the fly, and not on a countdown.
Not to nit-pick but thats why Allen and I said time yourself over a set distance. That way you will know your count--momentum is down to perception. Obviously you should re-check this start every now and then to see how it changes as your streamline improves etc. However some may sense their momentum bettter than others. I tend to finish the break out a little too soon...going by my video...thats why an accurate time over a set distance will help guide you in to the right time. At least that's my take on the theory and what to aim for. Let me put it this way: If Allen and Wayne say it about Breaststroke...it's pretty darn good advice.
Last note, different BR races will require different breakout distance. 50 BR needs to be before you slow past your sprint speed. Longer races where you will "swim out" a little easier you can stay down longer (and thus slow a little more) if you can do it (I am still battling with this myself).
...most importantly though...yes, why are freestylers giving out advice on a man's stroke?
:p
