BIOMECHANICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SWIM DIVING
Kinetic Chain in the Swimming Dive
A kinetic chain is where movements are strung together (much like a chain) to create a greater force output within a movement (Blazevich, 2012). There are two types of kinetic chain designs that can be looked at which are; push-like and throw-like. The swim dive focuses on the push-like chain design as the main action requires a swimmer to push off the block (which allows simultaneous extensions of the muscle groups) in a push-like motion creating power, acceleration and speed. The kinetic chain also releases elastic energy build up in the muscle while executing the intended motion (see strain energy). The diagram below demonstrates how the kinetic chain can be associated with the swimming dives, and shows how force is transferred from one muscle group to another to create a greater force output.
A kinetic chain is where movements are strung together (much like a chain) to create a greater force output within a movement (Blazevich, 2012). There are two types of kinetic chain designs that can be looked at which are; push-like and throw-like. The swim dive focuses on the push-like chain design as the main action requires a swimmer to push off the block (which allows simultaneous extensions of the muscle groups) in a push-like motion creating power, acceleration and speed. The kinetic chain also releases elastic energy build up in the muscle while executing the intended motion (see strain energy). The diagram below demonstrates how the kinetic chain can be associated with the swimming dives, and shows how force is transferred from one muscle group to another to create a greater force output.
Kinetic Chain Comparison Video
This video demonstrates the kinetic chain effect in both dives. As you can see with the track start, the muscles extend in a chain-like action similar to the diagram above. The grab start also does this however it is far less obvious and visible.