Start and Turn analysis

Starting and turning are critical aspects of competitive swimming. Efficient and well-executed starts and turns can make a significant difference in a swimmer’s performance. Here’s an overview of start and turn analysis in swimming:

Starts:

  • The Block Setup: Swimmers should have a consistent and comfortable block setup. This includes foot placement, hand positioning, and body posture. The rear foot should be up against the front of the block, and the front foot should point forward. The hands should grip the front of the block at shoulder-width or slightly wider.
  • The Dive: A good dive is essential for a fast start. Swimmers should push off the block explosively, leading with their dominant leg (usually the back leg) and extending their body forward while maintaining a streamlined position. The head should be aligned with the body, looking down.
  • Streamline: After the dive, swimmers should maintain a streamlined position, with arms extended overhead and legs tightly pressed together. This minimizes water resistance.
  • Breakout: After the dive and entering the water, swimmers should initiate a powerful underwater dolphin kick (in butterfly and freestyle) or a flutter kick (in breaststroke and backstroke) to maintain momentum. A strong breakout is crucial to avoid losing speed.

Turns:

  • Approach: Swimmers should approach the wall with good speed and timing. In freestyle and backstroke, the last stroke before the turn is typically a long and strong stroke to carry momentum into the wall. In breaststroke and butterfly, swimmers take an extra stroke before the turn.
  • Tuck and Rotation: As swimmers approach the wall, they should initiate the turn by tucking their knees towards their chest and rotating their body. The exact technique varies between strokes:
    • In freestyle and backstroke, a somersault-like motion is used.
    • In butterfly and breaststroke, a simultaneous double-arm pull is executed to initiate the turn.
  • Push-Off: After the tuck and rotation, swimmers should push off the wall with a strong leg kick, extending their body into a streamlined position. The push-off should be powerful and timed well to maximize the distance covered underwater.
  • Streamline: Similar to starts, maintaining a streamlined position is crucial during and after the turn. Swimmers should minimize resistance by keeping their body in a straight line, arms extended overhead, and legs tightly together.
  • Breakout: After the turn, swimmers should initiate their underwater kicks or strokes efficiently to regain speed quickly and smoothly.

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    3# Basic package


    Example: Start 3# Basic package
    Example: Start 3# Basic package


    Recommended for:

    Learn to Swim, competitive swimmers, masters, artistic swimmers.

    Includes:

    Each package includes 1 element of the start or turn analysis of your choice. The entire analysis will be done by qualified coaches with human eyes and comments.

    Feedback:

    will be sent to the created account on the website or to your e-mail in the form of a PDF file with a written explanation (See example)!

    Requirements:

    You must be able to supply your own underwater and above water videos. For “Start” underwater clips are welcomed, but not necessary.  (minimum of 2 videos, max 4). The guide of how to film your videos for Start or Turn analysis you can find HERE.

    Benefits of swim stroke analysis:

    will get a clear understanding of how to improve your element of the start or turn technique and efficiency.

    Overall:

    Improve your start and turn in swim performance!


    4# Pro package




    Recommended for:

    Learn to Swim, competitive swimmers, masters, artistic swimmers.

    Includes:

    Each package includes 1 element of the start or turn analysis of your choice. The entire analysis will be done by qualified coaches with human eyes and comments on clip.

    Feedback:

    is delivered through movie file (.mp4), video can be watched and downloaded from your personal account or via GoogleDrive (Click here)!

    Requirements:

    You must be able to supply your own underwater and above water videos. For “Start” underwater clips are welcomed, but not necessary.  (minimum of 2 videos, max 4). The guide of how to film your videos for Start or Turn analysis you can find HERE.

    Benefits of Start and Turn analysis:

    • Coaches and swimmers should record starts and turns to review and analyze technique.
    • Focus on body position, timing, and power during starts and turns.
    • Pay attention to the angle of entry during dives and the speed of the turn.
    • Analyze the streamline position and breakout phase for improvements.

    Continuous practice and refinement of start and turn techniques are essential for swimmers to shave off valuable seconds in their races, ultimately leading to better performance in competitive swimming. Video analysis and feedback from coaches play a significant role in this process.

    Overall:

    Improve your start and turn in swim performance!