Question about circle swimming

What rtodd said. You should always flip as far to the left as possible. Depending on how closely people are together, that might mean the person in front of you is in the left corner, and you're in the center. If you flip in the right corner, you're guaranteed to hit someone who is very close behind you because there is nowhere else for them to go. -Rick

Our team swims the same as described by Glen and swimshark! I want to swim where you've been swimming and not have to circle with anyone!!!! That sounds nice!! I dislike having someone on my heels going into the wall on Free/Backstroke. I feel like I know what I'm doing but I'm never really sure they know what they are doing! Collisions hurt!!!!! :bighug:

When we circle swim at my club, we turn left and hang left, but finish right at the end of the interval (as each person finishes, they move left, and so on).

If you are in a crowded warm up lane and stop on the wall just don't block the + on the wall. ;-) IMO, this is the key. During crowded warmup, the "+" on the wall needs to be clear. Stop and or rest as close to the "corners" of the lane as possible to keep the wall clear for people turning. As to whether one should swim in straight and push off to the right, or swim in to the left and push off straight, I think you have to adjust to the traffic in the lane. If someone is close in front of you, you will have to wait until the last instant to drift to the center for the turn. If someone is close behind you, you have to push off to the right to clear the + as fast as possible.

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.

My lane does what Glenn describes (for the most part). I thought that was the 'standard' way to circle swim?

Just wondering did you also leave your lane to swim Fly with noodlers and the exercise class? I remember back in age group swimming when one team would "claim a lane", and then swim in reverse circle swim direction, down the left (opposite of everyone). Really sucks because half the time, their lane was the least occupied during warmup. I used to hop in this lane and swim fly right down the middle, just to tick 'em off. :afraid::argue:

Flip in the center and stop on the left (facing the wall) so swimmers behind you can finish. If you are in a crowded warm up lane and stop on the wall just don't block the + on the wall. ;-)

it's annoying when swimmers turn on the far right then attempt to angle to the other side (they usually don't & it can cause collisions) This is true. You must know your gap(s). If you know someone is up on you, you can't do this.

Of course, all of this goes out the window when at large meets after 5 or 10 minutes of warmup, large groups congregate at each end; apparently to discuss the meaning of 'Lost' or debate public health care. This solid wall of flesh becomes even more complex if there is a semi-shallow end where standing is possible: then the solid wall becomes three dimensional. In those cases Rich, the best footplanting spot for your turn is at your option; butts or tummies give the best 'springboard' option for a rapid getaway.