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
Parents
Former Member
Having published a few articles on breaststroke, including starts and turns, I sometimes get letters and emails from former swimmers. These breaststrokers include US short course college and USS record holders from the last 30 years. Many have commented on trying some of the ideas I put to paper.
Many have mentioned not breathing during some very important races, usually at the end of the 100.
Many have also experimented with no pulldown during breaststroke, and they tell me it can be faster.
There is a common thread amoung many of the great breaststrokers I have met and talked with, and well as corresponded with. They have experimented with many different styles of pulls, kicks, turns and pulldowns, eventually arriving with what worked best for them. Many are beyond students of the stroke, they have their PhD's in breaststroke.
I have also discussed the no pulldown with many officials from past Olympics, USS Nationals etc., and they all said they would disqualify someone for no pulldown. So you may get away with it once, but try it when it counts like nationals, and see what happens.
I am always chummy with the officials, telling them what a great job they are doing, getting them a drink etc. In turn they talk to me about the rules. One year my shoulder hurt so bad I did not want to do a butterfly stroke during the 100 IM. So I asked, what if I dove in, dolphined for 14.5 yards, came up and continued dolphin kick on the surface. They said it was legal, so that is exactly what I did.
Having published a few articles on breaststroke, including starts and turns, I sometimes get letters and emails from former swimmers. These breaststrokers include US short course college and USS record holders from the last 30 years. Many have commented on trying some of the ideas I put to paper.
Many have mentioned not breathing during some very important races, usually at the end of the 100.
Many have also experimented with no pulldown during breaststroke, and they tell me it can be faster.
There is a common thread amoung many of the great breaststrokers I have met and talked with, and well as corresponded with. They have experimented with many different styles of pulls, kicks, turns and pulldowns, eventually arriving with what worked best for them. Many are beyond students of the stroke, they have their PhD's in breaststroke.
I have also discussed the no pulldown with many officials from past Olympics, USS Nationals etc., and they all said they would disqualify someone for no pulldown. So you may get away with it once, but try it when it counts like nationals, and see what happens.
I am always chummy with the officials, telling them what a great job they are doing, getting them a drink etc. In turn they talk to me about the rules. One year my shoulder hurt so bad I did not want to do a butterfly stroke during the 100 IM. So I asked, what if I dove in, dolphined for 14.5 yards, came up and continued dolphin kick on the surface. They said it was legal, so that is exactly what I did.
