Do you use this tactic?

[Kaci]

Does anyone use the tactic in a race, where by you swim as close to the leading person as you can (providing they are in the next lane) so you can use there pull to make it easier for you? (not explained well but you know what I mean)

I was just wondering how effective it actually is and whether people do use that technique.

[Mel]

i have been told about this tactic, and i have tried to use it, but i don't know how well it works. my coach has told me if i'm in the lead to swim in the middle so that no-one gets my "channel" and i try to do that! but i haven't heard of many swimmers doing it, i don' t think that many people know about it.

[Aussiebabe]

Yeah my coach has told me to use that tactic too. I have tried it twice, once I swam a PB, but not sure whether they were related!!! The other time I was told I had swum further than everyone else in my race 'cos I moved around my lane so much!!

[Unfit]

I definitely used this tatic in my younger years, when i was a brest-stroker. in cycling its called 'drafting' and saves you lots of energy meaning you're able to overtake on the last length! it's another reason that you shouldn't swim too close to the person in front of you in training - because then you're not doing all of the work!

[swimusa]

Olympians even use it. In American commentary, they always talk about that especially in the mid distance events. That is why you should swim down the line.

[tinie]

iv never tried it might just hav to giv it a go iv hered of it and i know alot of peopl i know in other cluds use it but iv nener tried

[Dreama]

sorry to put a sour note on things but...
isn't that slightly classed as cheating, or seeking to gain an advantage at someone elses expense?
Personally I'd rather win a race on my own merit and effort that using that to help me!

[Bootie]

I would call it using your brain, if it works for you, why not!

[nsswimmer]

Originally posted by Dreama
sorry to put a sour note on things but...
isn't that slightly classed as cheating, or seeking to gain an advantage at someone elses expense?
Personally I'd rather win a race on my own merit and effort that using that to help me!

i dont think it's cheating!!! it's a simple law of physics or hydromechanics or WUTEVER it's called~~~ lol haha if you start thinking like that... do fastskins and aquablades count as cheating? what about drinking gatorade or other drinks? u kno? you gotta use all tools handed to you without breaking the rules. and as of now, doing that isnt against the rules~

[Bootie]

This tactic is used in virtually every sport where racing is concerned, Grand prix drivers use the car in front in order to slipstream and shoot ahead on the straight, Athletes let somebody else take on the pace and hide behind them until the sprint for home, cyclists are the same, why should swimmers be any different. the only event I know of where this tactic is banned is in certain Triathlon races where "drafting" as it is called, is prohibited.

[fredthefish]

Ever hit your hand on an anti-wave lane rope when doing this....it bloody well hurts........owch!!!

[swimmer]

i know the feeling! especialy at Aldershot when they used to ahve the big sharp ones. i used to come out of every session with reli bad bruses all over my hands and arms!!!!

[sub24]

In the 1988 Olympics in 200m free, Duncan Armstrong, lane 6, swam right up against lane 5 with Matt Biondi in it. Duncan cruised right at about Biondi's hip, against the lane, for 100m, then caught up to Matt on the 3rd 50, then raced past Matt on the last 50! It was a good strategy because Duncan knew Matt had loads of speed, he was the world record holder in 100 free. Matt didn't even pay any attention to Duncan, his mistake cost him a gold medal, and he didn't even get the silver, he ended up 3rd, because Swedish swimmer was blazing away in lane 8.

[super_fish88]

Sounds like a good tactic, i'll try it in my next race!