ASP004: Does an Ideal Start Style Exist

This episode of the Advanced Swimming Performance Podcast features co-host Jenni Brozena. Jenni and I discuss if an ideal swimming start style exists.

Jenni Brozena is the Owner and Lead Sport Scientist of Aqueous, an international organization providing elite aquatic wellness through accessible sport science for training preparation, performance, and rehabilitation of aquatic athletes. Jenni works with healthcare systems and large-scale athletic teams to utilize applied sport science for biomechanics, performance enhancement, injury prevention and rehabilitation services for swimmers triathletes, water, water polo players, rowers, and kayakers.

Jenni’s work has been accepted at the International Symposium for Biomechanics & Medicine in Swimming, the International Symposium on 3D Human Movement, and she has been a leader within the International Society of Swim Coaching, US Masters Swimming Sports Medicine Committee, and Medical Fitness Association where she supports the Exercise Is Medicine initiative.

IN DOES AN IDEAL SWIMMING START STYLE EXIST YOU’LL LEARN:

• Start trajectories are huge! They should be considered at a young age due to the development of motor learning principles.
• Not a lot of start work is put in before meets. More exercises aimed at start work should be incorporated in dryland training.
• Starts are plyometric movements. The body needs to adapt, to train a certain way, and to react to sudden stress.
• Increasing anxiety and fear during practice as simulations are recommended to improve performance under pressure.
• An ideal start is customized for every swimmer based off intrinsic skills and body types. It is the coach’s job to maximize the swimmer’s performance.