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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Former Member
I’m not winning any converts so the balls of the feet are winning.
You won't get any converts because it's totally wrong to do what you are suggesting. It's like arguing the case for a 'sitting' start and wondering why swimmers will still insist on diving off the blocks!
If you can get away from the wall nicely, by pushing off the balls of your feet, it shouldn’t negate coaches from helping their swimmers to develop a more effective habit
Please take my word for it, there is no more effective technique. I still suspect you haven't tried pushing off the wall with flat feet and heels touching.
There's nothing wrong with the idea of looking for ways of improving swimming technique, and consequently speed, and I applaud you for attempting to find the holy grail. For the last four years I have been working on developing a new pull for front crawlers. I'm fortunate in having contact with many of the world's top masters swimmers who have introduced this into their training programme. In May, I'll be running Europe's premier masters training camp where 100 masters will be giving it a try. I'll report back.
I’m not winning any converts so the balls of the feet are winning.
You won't get any converts because it's totally wrong to do what you are suggesting. It's like arguing the case for a 'sitting' start and wondering why swimmers will still insist on diving off the blocks!
If you can get away from the wall nicely, by pushing off the balls of your feet, it shouldn’t negate coaches from helping their swimmers to develop a more effective habit
Please take my word for it, there is no more effective technique. I still suspect you haven't tried pushing off the wall with flat feet and heels touching.
There's nothing wrong with the idea of looking for ways of improving swimming technique, and consequently speed, and I applaud you for attempting to find the holy grail. For the last four years I have been working on developing a new pull for front crawlers. I'm fortunate in having contact with many of the world's top masters swimmers who have introduced this into their training programme. In May, I'll be running Europe's premier masters training camp where 100 masters will be giving it a try. I'll report back.
