KICKING THE BACK PLATE OF THE STARTING BLOCK IMPROVES START PHASE PERFORMANCE IN COMPETITIVE SWIMMING

Abstract

Kinematic characteristics and performance were evaluated during the start phase using two start techniques (kick start and track start) in 11 male elite collegiate swimmers. Trials were recorded using three synchronized video cameras shooting at 60 fps. Twodimensional video analysis was performed in the sagittal plane. Paired t-test was used to compare variables between the two techniques. The block time (kick start 0.70 ±0.04 s, track start 0.74 ±0.04 s, p <0.01) and 15-m time (kick start 6.78 ±0.33 s, track start 6.92 ±0.34 s, p <0.01) for the kick start were significantly shorter than those for the track start. The horizontal velocity (kick start 4.41 ±0.18 m/s, track start 4.29 ±0.12 m/s, p <0.05) and speed (kick start 4.58 ±0.26 m/s, track start 4.48 ±0.18 m/s, p <0.05) at takeoff for the kick start were greater than those for the track start.