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Relay StartsMomentum is speed. Most starts only allow you to generate your momentum at the split instant of the starter's signal, but the start of the second, third, and fourth legs of a relay race are very different. Here the only thing that matters is that your feet continue to touch the starting blocks until the previous swimmer touches the wall. Any movement that you take up and to this point is fair game. So while running starts are not allowed, another method of adding momentum to your start has been developed solely for relay starts. Here's how it's done. While you watch your teammate approach the wall on their final lap of their race take your position on the starting block. As with a normal start, place your feet at the edge of the block with your toes curled over the front edge, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Now instead of coming to your marks and a full-stop at the edge of the platform, you will need to watch your teammate approach the wall. US and International Swimming rules state that your feet cannot leave the starting blocks until your teammate has touched the wall so your feet cannot move once set. However, nothing precludes using the rest of your body to your advantage.With your feet set at the edge of the starting block, bend at the waist and flex your knees slightly. Extend your arms in front of you with your hands about 6 inches apart and sight through your hands at your teammate approaching the wall. As he comes underneath the backstroke flags bend your knees and at your waist a little more and get ready to spring away. As your teammate takes his last stroke, quickly windmill both your arms over your head, around behind your body, past your waist, and stop suddenly in front of you. The momentum created by this windmill will almost launch you off the blocks all by itself. So when you add this momentum to an explosion with your legs off of the starting blocks you've really got some power off the blocks. The only possible problem with this start is in the timing. If the swimmer in the water takes a breath inside the flags, you'll likely end up disqualified because the swimmer on the blocks needs to time his touch without actually being able to see it. The goal in all relay starts is to be fully laid-out over the water, while the other swimmer is just touching the wall. Anything less is wasted time. |
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