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Starting Tips
 BY KELSEY SAVAGE HAYS//Correspondent
A start not only begins the race, but often sets the tone for it,
especially during shorter distances where a well-executed start is
not just helpful, but often necessary for winning. But don’t
let the starting blocks intimidate you. A well-prepared swimmer can
learn to combine speed and power for a perfect start with a little
practice. According to coach Steve Bultman, head coach of Texas
A&M’s women’s swimming team, the most important
aspects of a start to master are reaction time, power and
entry.
1. Getting off the block quickly, but without false starting can be
tricky. Luckily, the best way to a fast reaction is practice. Try
getting in position to start, but instead of jumping at the sound
of the beep, clap your hands together. This or other reflex-type
drills help develop the speed that can be carried into the real
thing. After several rounds of clap-starting, begin performing
starts, responding to the beep as quickly as possible. Track starts
(one foot forward, one back) are often considered the fastest
starts, while grab starts (both feet forward) tend to be known for
their power. Either one can be very effective if preformed
well.
2. While speed is important, it’s really the swimmer who
reaches the 15 meter mark first that has accomplished the most.
This requires power as well as speed. A strong start initiates from
the arms. Grip the edge of the block and then use the arms to
launch forward and out. As the arms move, use your feet to push
away from the block and towards the water. Both feet push at the
same time in grab starts. In track starts, the back foot pushes
first and then the front. Swimmers can work on developing strength
with jumping exercises. Try jumping onto and off different levels
of bench or boxes (be sure to do jumping under supervision).
3. Finally, a clean entry marks the end of a good start. Use the
momentum of the push-off to enter the water streamlined with chin
tucked and one hand over the other; even toes are
pointed. Swimmers should focus on entering
the water through as small a hole as possible. Swimmers struggling
with a wide or inefficient entry can practice by diving through a
hula hoop held on the surface of the water or by diving over a pole
held at the block’s level, just away from the swimmer.
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