Considering my start from a technical point of view
Hello!
The Japan Championships have now come to an end, and we have seen many new records and the athletes' great strides!
All the players are entering the match season in the summer...
Are you making steady progress in your preparations for this, both technically and mentally?
To get the season off to a good start!!!
Today, the former sprint champion talks about starts. 
As we all know, a good start is very important.
The start is especially key in sprint events like the 100m IM, which is my specialty.
As I stand on the starting block, take my position,
Subconsciously, I go through a checklist of things I need to focus on, one by one.
First, stand on a block with your feet slightly closer than shoulder width apart.
Next, hook the toes of your front foot over the edge of the block and raise the heel of your back foot as far as possible.
Third,
Once your feet are in place, reach your arms down and up the sides of the block, allowing your body to naturally curve.
Keep your arms straight and place your hands next to the blocks.
The reason for this will be explained later. 
Fourth,
Your head should be in a neutral position, straight from your spine, and your eyes should be looking towards your back toes.
If you look at the toes of your front foot, you are more likely to lower your head further and sway your body as you start. You can also look at the toes of your front foot, but be careful.
It is important to minimize time lost between the buzzer and the start.
Fifth,
Keep your back straight and your posture correct, but don't be too tense.
Then tighten your shoulder muscles so you're ready to start.
Sixth,
Wait in the best posture, and as soon as the buzzer sounds, first quickly tense your shoulders, lower your outstretched arms, and stretch them forward.
If your arms are bent at this time, the force from your shoulders will not be transmitted, and you will waste important time as you release from the block.
Put all your driving force on your back and front legs,
After that, just let yourself go with the natural momentum and movement. 
Think about when you lift something heavy.
Rather than lifting with bent arms,
It's easier to lift things with your arms outstretched.
When your arms are straight, you use larger and stronger muscles than when they are bent.
You can lift things more easily.
We asked other athletes to try the same thing and see what happens when they bend their arms.
My body naturally lowered to start.
What we need is for our body to enter the water as quickly as possible, without any wasted movement.
lastly,
Bend your arms 75 to 90 degrees and dip into the "perfect hole" in the water.
Put all your strength into sending your body forward.
The "perfect hole" is the image of entering the water with your hands, feet and all into a single hole.
If two holes were made here, the gravitational force would be enormous,
You will lose the speed and momentum you built at the start of the race.
I think each of us has our own starting routine and technical preferences.
The important thing is to make it a habit to think about all the details while training.
By doing this, you will be able to automatically concentrate on swimming during the competition.
Now, think about your starting routine in your head.
Can you visualize it?
Try these keys to a fast start the next time you train.