Flawless Finishes

小臭贝

Of course the start matters, the turnover rate counts, and pace strategy shouldn’t be overlooked, but in a head-to-head match, it’s the finish that makes or breaks a race. Here are four do’s and don’ts from Brian Brown, head coach of Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics, to help you hit the wall first.   



Do anticipate. “The wall shouldn’t surprise you,” says coach Brown. A strong finish needs as much finessing as any other technique, and the best way to practice is by doing short sprints during workouts while memorizing your race-pace stroke count per lap. Work on reaching for the wall every time with a fully-extended arm.  



Do Count. For perfect timing, coach Brown emphasizes that the first stroke sets up the last, so starting the breakout stroke with great form means you’re more likely to match the stroke count you’ve practiced, giving you a better idea of where the wall will fall.



Don’t breathe! freestylers should take their last gasp before passing under the flags and then keep their head down until they touch the wall. Butterfliers, coach Brown points out, might end up inhaling between the flags and wall (depending on their natural breathing pattern), but they definitely shouldn’t breathe on the finishing stroke.



Do make the last stroke count. Hit the touchpad energetically at the end of each race to stop the device and make your time official.



Don’t Peek. “It’s a common error for a swimmer who’s in the lead to sneak a look at a close contender and end up placing second,” says coach Brown. Instead of worrying about the final standings, tuck your head down and aim for the touchpad. Let the scoreboard announce who wins