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
Former Member
First 5M? Even the strongest starters are getting no more than 2-3 meters out on the start. Probably a lot closer to 2 than 3.
Paul
We talking backstroke here? If not I disagree and have video of myself showing otherwise!
I remember back in college people jumping off the blocks and touching the flags with their hands all the time.
Really? I have way above average hops and I don't thank I could do that. Hmm maybe I could and never tried. One thing we would do is start from the side of the pool and jump over the first laneline from the deck hand first. It always seemed like it was going to be hard but it never was.
(Oh and thinking it over I am sure he meant backstroke!)
I noticed the grouchy smiths complained about the rule changes that occurred in the last 20 years but made no mention of the rule that they have utilized their entire swimming career: touching the wall in freestyle with your hands. I suppose that rule change is a good one because it happened before the Smith's time!
One of the most impressive things I ever saw was a college teammate threw a kickboard over an entire 50 meter pool to get out of workout on our winter training trip. I'm sure the coach thought he had no chance of actually doing it. He actually cleared the pool easily. It was a nice toss.
I predict the guy who did that was incredibly athletic, probably a sprinter, who was very good but never quite made the most of his talent. I think most teams have "that guy" on their squad. On my team "that guy" did a 50 yards underwater, with fins, from the block in 20.8.
that would be good
why don't we throw in
1) forward starts on backstroke or at least allow swimmers to stand up and curl their toes over the edge
2) flip turns on fly
3) flip turns on ***
4) remove or lengthen the 15 meter rule for underwater dolphin kick
at least make it a 20 meter rule
5) Better yet, make 50 streamline dolphin kick it's own event, and
6) USMS should adopt and offer 25 yard and meter sprints, all 4 strokes & SDK
races, top 10's, and records
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.
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
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.
Well, gee, I think at least our feet should still have to touch the wall ;)
thanks john figured you would
I added 2 more rule modifications / stroke and event additions
5) Better yet, make 50 streamline dolphin kick it's own event, &
6) USMS offer 25 yard and meter, races, records and top 10's
all 4 strokes & SDK
Ande,
I like your thought process....... there is definitely humor in the changes in the rules to USA Swimming over the last 15 years.
John Smith
thanks john figured you would
I added 2 more rule modifications / stroke and event additions
5) Better yet, make 50 streamline dolphin kick it's own event, &
6) USMS offer 25 yard and meter, races, records and top 10's
all 4 strokes & SDK
The 50 SDK was an event for a while, but it was called the 50 fly and 50 back. I'm glad they stopped that nonsense.
As to Smith, there are many at practice who already do this and it makes me nuts. If I'm trying to pace with someone and they throw in a back to *** flip I will lose at least a body length.
I'm typically for innovation and change but this one annoys me. I hope it won't be changed but I sure suspect it will one day.
