So earlier at practice I experimented with flat feet coming off every wall. There was a very noticeable difference. I could surface with ease past the flags, without any DKs. In my first two years of swimming, I have used just the balls (and toes) of my feet in coming off the walls.
Flat feet (that is, both ball and heel) feels a little awkward right now, like any technique change, but I think I'm going to start adjusting to it for permanent use.
Thanks to Jim Thornton who suggested I make this a poll!
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I looked at several high jumpers videos, and it looks like they are flat footed with every step on the approach, including their launch. This one has the clearest video:
YouTube - Men's High Jump (Slow Motion) - Greg Shroka clears 7 feet
(Slo-mo begins at the 1:00 mark)
Interesting, since I always thought they ran on their toes.
Also interesting is tomtopo's Michael Phelps video. Near the end, they show his backstroke start. There, he is on his toes. I'm no racer - why would this be different?
I looked at several high jumpers videos, and it looks like they are flat footed with every step on the approach, including their launch. This one has the clearest video:
YouTube - Men's High Jump (Slow Motion) - Greg Shroka clears 7 feet
(Slo-mo begins at the 1:00 mark)
Interesting, since I always thought they ran on their toes.
Also interesting is tomtopo's Michael Phelps video. Near the end, they show his backstroke start. There, he is on his toes. I'm no racer - why would this be different?
