Unless you’re test pilots, I’d advise you to use only the techniques specified in the POH.
The POHs for most light A/C I’ve flown recommend applying full power against the brakes before commencing a short-field take off. If there’s a chance of the nosewheel digging in to the ground while doing this, then I’d say the field is too soft to attempt a take-off anyway.
Turns during the take-off run and mucking about with flap settings—especially in marginal conditions—are, IMHO, recipes for bent aeroplanes.
Safe flying.
HP
[This message has been edited by Horsepower (edited 15 November 2000).]