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The dive in competetive swimming

  • 12-07-2012 9:44pm
    #1
    redfacedbear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 891 ✭✭✭


    There was a very interesting doc on BBC earlier about the evolution of swimming in the Olympics through the years.

    One thing they didn't cover though was the dive. In my day, twenty-odd year ago :-0, you always stood with both feet over the edge of the block and dove from there. As far as I could see tonight, up until 2000 this was the done thing. By 2004 about half the starters in 100 free were starting with one foot further back on the block. Anybody know why the change? I presume it gives some form of competitive advantage, but I'm struggling with the mechanics of how it could possibly get you away quicker than the conventional method.


Comments

  • #2
    sock puppet
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭sock puppet


    I used a track start as I had a better reaction time. Not sure of the reason for the top guys doing it tbh.


  • #3
    okane1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,148 ✭✭✭okane1


    Similar, I use the track start for a better reaction time. I also feel I can hang back of the block better, which would improve my acceleration of the block.


  • #4
    swimmer_hoop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 65 ✭✭swimmer_hoop


    Grab start(2 feet forward) is slower to get off the block but gives more force.

    On the track start the centre of gravity is further forward so reaction time is improved as there's less weight to shift to the front foot.

    The track start position also helps to have the leg muscles fired up ready to release because of the position taken up.

    Especially nowadays with the new blocks designed so as to aid track starts it is the most efficient way to get off the blocks in terms of speed and power.


  • #5
    swimmer_hoop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 65 ✭✭swimmer_hoop


    okane1 wrote: »
    Similar, I use the track start for a better reaction time. I also feel I can hang back of the block better, which would improve my acceleration of the block.

    While acceleration seems to be improved it's extremely inefficient to rock back. The extra acceleration you feel is more then negated by the fact that your centre of gravity(CoG) needs to move off your back foot onto you front foot before you even start to use your legs to project yourself.

    At take your marks the best starters will lean as far forward as possible to get the CoG as close to the pool as possible (without falling in of course!)

    The position to aim for would have your head and shoulders off the blocks and over the pool.


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