Detailed swimming starting technique instructions from A to Z

Starting technique plays an important role, directly affecting the speed and performance of athletes in swimming competitions. Below is a detailed guide to the most common podium swimming starting techniques

1. Starting position:

• Step onto the starting platform: Place your feet parallel, shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward. Knees slightly bent, center of gravity forward.
• Hand placement: Dominant hand placed in front of shoulder, elbow slightly bent, thumb pointing inward. Other hand placed behind hip, elbow bent, hand clenched.
• Head and eye posture: Look forward, focused on the destination.

2. Jumping:

• Inhale: Take a deep breath.
• Footwork: Use force to push both feet down onto the platform, while simultaneously thrusting your hips forward.
• Arm movement: Swing both arms powerfully back, over the head, to the front of the shoulders.
• Body: Body jumps up high, keeps straight, leans slightly forward.

3. Flying in the air:

• Maintain posture: Maintain body posture as when jumping, eyes looking forward.
• Breathing: Exhale slowly.

4. Get in the water and surf:

• Arm movement: As your shoulders are about to touch the water, swing your arms down and forward, forming a 45-degree angle to the water.
• Leg movement: Close both legs, stretch straight back, toes pointing down.
• Body: Body forms a diamond shape, stomach in, keep straight from head to heels.
• Surfing: Using body waves to glide forward, minimizing resistance.

5. Start rolling:

• Arm movement: When both arms have swept all the water back, pull them towards the chest, elbows slightly bent.
• Leg movement: Begin to perform the rolling motion of the appropriate swimming style (freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke).

Note:

• Starting technique needs to be practiced regularly to achieve accuracy, synchronization and good momentum for swimming.
• You should practice starting strokes combined with swimming strokes to increase effectiveness.
• Consult a trainer for proper guidance and timely correction.