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
He said the rules in a round about way say you have to do the pull down.
I think he needs to reread the rules because there's nothing "roundabout" about it. You can choose to do a pullout. There is definitely no requirement to do so. The FINA rules, and presumably USA Swimming, too, phrase it the same way ("after the start and each turn, the swimmer may..."). If is definitely optional.
He said the rules in a round about way say you have to do the pull down.
I think he needs to reread the rules because there's nothing "roundabout" about it. You can choose to do a pullout. There is definitely no requirement to do so. The FINA rules, and presumably USA Swimming, too, phrase it the same way ("after the start and each turn, the swimmer may..."). If is definitely optional.
