AOPA presented one recently on the technique but I can't find it. They were using a C-180 and tried all the usual techniques such as tail up, tail down, flaps set or popping the flaps. In the end they found that the aircraft left the ground in a significantly shorter distance by remaining in the tail down flaps set condition. Why on earth you would choose a taildragger to conduct this when the vast majority of planes/pilots are tricycle gear beats me!
I have always wanted to test this in tricycle landing gear but not going to be able to, any time soon. They used a camcorder setup to cover the takeoff point which should be easy at most small airports. I am predisposed to think flaps set, full power with brakes on then release and hold as near a tail dragging attitude will beat any other techniques...
Would welcome the results anyone can produce.
Takers?
