Abstract

Coaches and athletes are constantly searching for methods of improving athletic performances. In swimming, particularly in the sprint events, the start plays a crucial role in determining the outcome. Various starting techniques have undergone experimentation. Since 1967, when HANAUER introduced the grab start, most of the effort has been confined to comparative studies of this technique with other conventional starts. Many of these studies have shown the grab start to be superior to all others. Purpose of study: The purpose of this study was to compare the three starts: the scoop start, the flat start, and the track start. In all three of these starts the grab position was used by all subjects. Two groups were studied: Group A consisted of 37 male college swimmers and Group B of 121 male and female swimmers, aged 10 through 17 years. Conclusion: It is the recommendation of these researchers that the scoop start not be used in shallow pools of a depth of less than 4 ft, particularly from starting blocks 30 in. in height from the surface of the water or more. Even at the depth of 4.5 ft potential hazard exists if the swimmer misjudges the depth of his or her dive. If, as this study demonstrates, the scoop start is not faster than the starts that are characterized by shallower entries, it is essential that this information be promulgated among coaches and competitive swimmers in order to eliminate the use of this potentially dangerous technique. Verf.-Referat