No. I never actually said that. I think the objective was to develop momentum in the most efficient manner possible. I teach in the same manner because it makes sense from a physics standpoint…if you want a change in momentum there must be a large impulse. Impulse is the product of force and time….so early in a race when momentum development is key, pushing long (relatively) and hard would appear to be the best way.
I certainly teach that way too, I think it's irrefutable from a physics standpoint as you say. Maybe a better question for me to ask is if an emphasis on a quick, light lead hand will lead to incomplete pushes and/or a cyclic leg action? I'm currently trying to get people to focus only on their hand in the set position, as the arms precede the legs (from what I know, please correct me if wrong) and because by focusing on the action rather than the gun an athlete can save .1s in eliminating some neural transmission (Tony Wells). After clearing the hand I just want them to think "push, push, push". Through repetition of little drills I have stolen from Tony Wells I hope to make the low heel recovery second nature, and through oly lifts, multi-throws, jumps, etc a complete push also an unconscious thing.
It's interesting, everyone trying to achieve the same thing – negative shin angles, low heel recovery, long pushes, full or near full extension, etc – but cueing it very differently.
On an unrelated note, can anyone confirm other than by the article from Adrian Faccioni (sp?), that Jon Smith cues a cyclic leg action out the the blocks? As mike said, it simply doesn't happen in great sprinters, nor does it appear to be an effecient way of developing momentum. Anyone?