rainmaker wroteIt doesn't need justification, just explanation. it's not that tough -- 10 strokes =9 seconds. Still, coaches can be difficult when it serves their purposes. I"ll consider what you're saying.
Only problem is that you often can't give an explanation to someone who's watching you on tape . . . or to the crowd . . . or to a camp clinician.
I guess what's working is giving a physical signal that control has begun and I'm counting. Any suggestions for how to convey that differently from a stroke of the counting arm.
I wouldn't worry about it too much. Like Brad said, the coaches just want you to start counting at some point "soon" - they don't care about the exact zero point. If you absolutely feel the need to indicate something on a 10 second count, you can "point" the other way, although this is much more of a "D-I only" mechanic.
When I do counts, I extend my forearm straight in and out at shoulder height parallel to the floor. Before I give the "1" swing, I bring my elbow and arm up (as if I were on the in-swing of a count). I guess you could use that, too, to make sure you start with a 0 count.
