Most top swimmers use the grab start to get their race under way. This gets you moving off the blocks quickly and into the water smoothly. The starter will not begin the race until everybody is ready and still. This is really important because you can be disqualified if you fall in before the start or if you are slow getting ready. Follow along in this how-to animation to learn the best method to power off the blocks in swimming.
Step 1:
The better your starting position, the better your dive, so:
Head: Tucked in as close to your knees as possible
Hips: As high as possible, lift them up and try not to push them back
Legs: Curl your toes over the edge of the block and bend your knees slightly
Arms: Should be in a "hands on" position, this means one hand on top of the other. Stretch your arms down, point your fingers to the floor and put your palms on the front of the wall or starting block.
Step 2:
Push off with as much power as possible. Press hard with the palms of your hands and throw your arms forward. Look up slightly as you push away to get your body to follow your head. If you look up for too long, however, your feet will go in at the same time as your hands. This is not a good idea.
As soon as your feet leave the starting block:
1) Tuck your head in
2) Push your hips up
3) Streamline your body so that you go into the water head first
Step 3:
As you approach the water, imagine you are trying to slide through a hole without making any splash. As you go in, let your hands and head lift slightly. Try to hold the "hands on" streamlined position until you are close to the surface and ready to start swimming. A really good tip for making a smooth change from diving to swimming is to imagine that there is no join between the two. Someone watching should not be able to see where one finished and the next one started.
Power off the blocks in swimming
Want to master Microsoft Excel and take your work-from-home job prospects to the next level? Jump-start your career with our Premium A-to-Z Microsoft Excel Training Bundle from the new Gadget Hacks Shop and get lifetime access to more than 40 hours of Basic to Advanced instruction on functions, formula, tools, and more.
Other worthwhile deals to check out:
- 97% off The Ultimate 2021 White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle
- 98% off The 2021 Accounting Mastery Bootcamp Bundle
- 99% off The 2021 All-in-One Data Scientist Mega Bundle
- 59% off XSplit VCam: Lifetime Subscription (Windows)
- 98% off The 2021 Premium Learn To Code Certification Bundle
- 62% off MindMaster Mind Mapping Software: Perpetual License
- 41% off NetSpot Home Wi-Fi Analyzer: Lifetime Upgrades
Be the First to Comment
Share Your Thoughts