Starting Block Techniques

The start is an important part of any race. In sprints, the start becomes even more crucial because of the limited time competitors have to make up for a bad start. For example, in a mile race, after the start the competitors still have a long time to improve their position. In a fifty-meter or hundred-meter swim, after the start there are mere seconds to improve position.

  1. Purpose of Starting Blocks

    • Starting blocks are used in all swimming races as the method for starting the race. Swimmers do have the option to start holding on to the wall in the water, but this is significantly slower. Swimming starting blocks are several feet above the water and allow the swimmers to get a jump start into the water and build up extra speed in the air before hitting the water.

    Traditional Grab Start

    • One of the main techniques of swimming starts is the traditional grab start, where the swimmer puts both feet just over the front edge of the board with knees slightly bent and hands grabbing the edge of the board. The advantage of this start is that the swimmer will get off the block faster because he is not as compressed as a track start. The disadvantage to this type of start is that the swimmer will usually not get as far out into the water.

    Track Start

    • Another main technique is the track start, which is when one foot is over the front edge of the board in the other is at the back of the board, similar to the form of a track and field sprinter, and both hands grip the front of the board to add a pull from the arms to the lift from the legs. The advantage of this start is that the swimmer will usually get farther out before hitting the water. This is advantageous because the swimmer will fly through the air faster than he or she can swim in the water. The disadvantage is that it will take longer to get off the block.