Backstroke Ledge
Gala Equipment: The Backstroke Ledge
The Club has now Purchased a backstroke ledge for practice before competitions.
At many competitions, especially higher level galas, backstroke ledges are now used. These can be a bit off putting if a swimmer has not used them before so the Club has purchased one for use in our training sessions so the swimmers can become familiar with them.
The ledges are put onto the starting blocks to give an edge for the swimmers feet to grip, allowing them to push off the wall without their feet slipping.
At a gala the ledges will be installed and removed by the technical official working on that lane. Use of the ledge is a personal choice, the offical may ask the swimmer if they wish to use it or not - or the swimmer can ask the official to remove it if they don't want to use it.
The ledge is pre-set at water level - zero on the dial. The swimmer can adjust the ledge to 2 or 4cm above or below the water by using the dial on the side of the ledge. They have to do this themselves, the official is not allowed to adjust the ledge for them.
Coaches and Swimmers are reminded of the FINA laws related to the use of ledges:
When using a backstroke ledge at the start, the toes of both feet must be in contact with the end wall or face of the touchpad. Bending the toes over the top of the touchpad/ ledge is prohibited.
The following video will be of use for those seeking further information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63C-zMOCAB0