Flying Start

Question
Hi, I've been rowing for about 3 years and this season I've been part of a successful Junior 4+ and our coach is preparing us for a time trial where we build pressure up to the start line. Our coach began teaching us a technique where after the line we take a power 10 and then do what she calls a "flying start" then another 10. This flying start consists of our coxswain calling "flying start in two, 1, 2!" and then we take a stroke at 3/4 slide, 1/2 slide, 3/4, and then lengthen and full. We do this all after a full stroke power 10. I have never heard of this before we started practicing and I just want to know if this is an effective strategy. I hate second guessing my coach but it just feels wrong, i can't tell if were losing speed, gaining speed, or just offsetting the boat. If you have any knowledge of this technique or if you think my coach went crazy I'd love to hear your input.

Answer
Hi Tyler: First off, I don't think your coach is cracking up.  If your crew is racing weel, you have to give her some credit.

I'm familiar with Time Trial events (the fall head races operate this way).  I'm also familiar with the use of short strokes when at a standing start.  However, the use of short, choppy half and 3-quarter strokes after you have already built into 10 strokes at full-stroke and full-pressure is new to me.

On your assessment, I can see where breaking your stroke length into the piece could be checking the boat when you transition.  I guess the coach's point of view is that the transition from full stroke to half/three-quarter strokes may get the boat to kick up the stroke rate when you transition back to full stroke.  Kind of like a car with manual transmission responds when you move from 3rd to 4th gear.

Your best bet is to have a meeting with your coxswain and other members of the four and get their perspective.  If you are all in consensus that the flying start is doing more harm than good, then you can meet with the coach and express your concern.

Good Luck/AP