Abstract

This study investigated the horizontal side-to-side, horizontal fore and aft, and vertical components of force during the grab and the conventional swimmingstarts. Six male and five female competitive swimmers were filmed while performing each type of start from a block into the water and filmed again while performing each type of start from a force platform into a foam mat. Force data were obtained from the force platform during the second filming session. Results indicated that there is a specific pattern of application of both the horizontal fore and aft and vertical components of force during block time foreach type of start; there is a difference between the conventional start and the grab start with regard to both the horizontal fore and aft and vertical components of force during block time; no differences existed between males and females with respect to the patterns of force application. Verf.-Referat