The only time I ever circle swim is during warm up at a meet. I'm unsure about one aspect of how to do it properly. If I'm coming into a wall for a turn, do I veer to the left before the wall and then push of straight or do I swim into the wall straight (on the right side) and then push off at an angle? Also, If I want to stop, do I hang out all the way to the right side or left side of the lane (assuming I'm facing the wall)? I've always done it one particular way, but was told recently that the other way was correct. Several beers ride on the answer.
Thanks, Rich
Rich,
To directly answer your question, I think you should be more on the left side or at least directly on the + when your feet ultimately land on the wall. You are more out of the way of the person behind you; it really doesn't matter where you are in relation to the person in front of you (except to avoid being too close and getting your fingers broken). Plus I am not a fan of trying to change trajectory when in the push off. When you approach, don't veer sharply; start angling early. You are going to be close to the person in front of you; just get used to having no personal space at that point. But always try to push off in perfect position.
On the wall, it is better to stay in the "starting corner" so that you avoid having to cross over people and increase the risk of someone jumping in who does not realize you are going to push off. However, people behind you will also stop and then you get "boxed in", either in that corner or you are waiting under the flags on the lanerope due to lots of people hanging about.
The most important thing is that you are warmed-up perfectly, and that's not the same as having put in the mechanics of a perfect warm up. It is rarely practical to adhere to a strict "400 warmup straight, 4x 50 on the minute build, and then some kick 25's, then dive starts". If you know it's going to be mayhem, if you know people will be swimming faster/slower than you typically go in warm up, then pay particular attention to this and prepare for it during the season. (For instance, I typically do the 400 warm up bit in broken 100's and 50's with a few seconds rest in between; and lots of bobs since I know i'll be in my corner doing bobs during warm up at a meet).
Other things to pay proper attention to are where the +s are on the wall, bottom line markers, any distinguishing features/markers, whether you might be in end lanes at night and have lights blaring, etc. I personally pay particular attention to the bottom of the + and the contrast of the bulkhead to water since I usually compete without goggles.
And while you are waiting in your spot on the wall, you can look up underneath the starting blocks, which I pay as much attention to as the top of the blocks. You make a mental note if there are any "catch areas" to watch out for, or cross bars that extend to the edge of the block. You don't want to be taking your mark, reach down, and then have a big lumpy rod where you intended to anchor your hand.
Rich,
To directly answer your question, I think you should be more on the left side or at least directly on the + when your feet ultimately land on the wall. You are more out of the way of the person behind you; it really doesn't matter where you are in relation to the person in front of you (except to avoid being too close and getting your fingers broken). Plus I am not a fan of trying to change trajectory when in the push off. When you approach, don't veer sharply; start angling early. You are going to be close to the person in front of you; just get used to having no personal space at that point. But always try to push off in perfect position.
On the wall, it is better to stay in the "starting corner" so that you avoid having to cross over people and increase the risk of someone jumping in who does not realize you are going to push off. However, people behind you will also stop and then you get "boxed in", either in that corner or you are waiting under the flags on the lanerope due to lots of people hanging about.
The most important thing is that you are warmed-up perfectly, and that's not the same as having put in the mechanics of a perfect warm up. It is rarely practical to adhere to a strict "400 warmup straight, 4x 50 on the minute build, and then some kick 25's, then dive starts". If you know it's going to be mayhem, if you know people will be swimming faster/slower than you typically go in warm up, then pay particular attention to this and prepare for it during the season. (For instance, I typically do the 400 warm up bit in broken 100's and 50's with a few seconds rest in between; and lots of bobs since I know i'll be in my corner doing bobs during warm up at a meet).
Other things to pay proper attention to are where the +s are on the wall, bottom line markers, any distinguishing features/markers, whether you might be in end lanes at night and have lights blaring, etc. I personally pay particular attention to the bottom of the + and the contrast of the bulkhead to water since I usually compete without goggles.
And while you are waiting in your spot on the wall, you can look up underneath the starting blocks, which I pay as much attention to as the top of the blocks. You make a mental note if there are any "catch areas" to watch out for, or cross bars that extend to the edge of the block. You don't want to be taking your mark, reach down, and then have a big lumpy rod where you intended to anchor your hand.
