PLATFORM TIMING
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In powerlifting, we utilize many different timing structures to keep meets running efficiently and fair. This timing can effect you and your athletes if you are not prepared for them. Here are the main considerations.
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🥇Change your first attempts. If you are in the warm-up area and that last warm up looked like a 2nd attempt, you can change your opener. The timing here is at least 3mins before the event starts if you are the first flight to go or if you are in flight B, you can change your opener no later than three lifters left in the flight before yours. This is important when timing warm ups as you always want to be doing your last warm up before that deadline. Also, consider how far the warm up room is to the score table and calculate that into your time. I recommend being done 5 mins before scheduled start. 1min to assess and 1 min to run to the table.
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🥈Attempt cycles. During the flight, there will be a rising bar, which means each attempt is organized from lightest to heaviest for each round. If you see a small jump between your athlete and the previous lifter, you can plan for how quick it will be before the bar is loaded. Knowing spotter speeds help gauge when you tell your athlete to start wrapping up, chalking, and putting their belt on. Ideally, everything should be ready right as the announcer says 'Bar is loaded'. This gives your athlete the full 1 min to get in the zone and set up for their attempt. No excuse not to have them ready and it makes a big difference when they can casually walk up to the bar instead of scrambling with seconds left.
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🥉Terminology.
"Bar is loaded for Morty" means Morty's attempt is ready and he has 1 min to head on the platform and begin his lift.
"Jerry is on deck" means he is next after Morty.
"Rick is in the hole" means he is after Jerry.
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The key here is make sure you have a watch or always in sight of a clock and the platform. Spotters speed vary at times and there can be bursts of fast load changes, then it can slow down. Keeping an eye on the score sheet and where they are in the flight is the marker to use when timing attempts.
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