Preparing for the 100 IM at Masters Nationals in May has lead me to think about the exchange between Backstroke and Breastroke. How can USA Swimming (and Masters) further bend over to pressure in the sport for additional speed and record breaking.
I propose that one be allowed to flip from back to *** on an IM by rolling over on to your stomach (like a normal backstroke turn or freestyle turn) and push off on your stomach for your pullout without touching the wall (with your hand).
This could cut as much as a half second off the race. I mean whats the point in touching the wall anymore? We don't do it on backstroke.
Besides, aren't rules made to be broken if its in favor of making the sport faster and breaking records..... :-)
John Smith
Actually the rule does not say what must touch the wall on the back to *** turn. So possibly it could be your feet that touch the wall, while on your back. “(2) Backstroke to breaststroke—The swimmer must touch the wall while on the back.”
Now the only obstacle is how to “continue swimming on the back throughout the race” and get your feet around to the wall without rolling onto your stomach. Maybe throw a Nabor turn in?
It seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to execute a flat spin on your back as you are approaching the wall and before your hand touches. I'm guessing it wouldn't be faster or else someone would have already tried it.
Actually the rule does not say what must touch the wall on the back to *** turn. So possibly it could be your feet that touch the wall, while on your back. “(2) Backstroke to breaststroke—The swimmer must touch the wall while on the back.”
Now the only obstacle is how to “continue swimming on the back throughout the race” and get your feet around to the wall without rolling onto your stomach. Maybe throw a Nabor turn in?
It seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to execute a flat spin on your back as you are approaching the wall and before your hand touches. I'm guessing it wouldn't be faster or else someone would have already tried it.
