Starting Block Starts

I have only been doing this for two years but the track start works great for me. The grab start (both feet to the front of the block) just feels odd to me and I feel like I can get more distance down the pool with the track start.

I would agree with Superfly and the article he uses. For breaststroke, the 2 footed one works better. Might appear to be slower off the blocks, but using it correctly is actually faster to the 15 meter mark. Faster to leave the block does not necessarily equate to faster times. For Breaststroke I was taught to use the keyhole type dive using both feet....and 99% of the time I can get further off of the start then any of the youngsters I coach. Makes em kind of mad!!! LOL:frustrated:

I use the old fashioned "grab start" (=feet together start). I have tried the track start (what you call the "Racing start) but I am heavy (200lbs) and have issues getting enough speed and power out of the block with only "one leg" eventhough I have very strong legs. Also, is there such a great advantage really with the track start? Quicker of the block maybe - but after 15 meters?????...Look at this very interesting article: www.breaststroke.info/Is the Grab Start Dead rev2.htm Best regards Per

I wrote this before, and I'll post it here: The track start gets you a faster reaction, but does not guarantee a better start. A swimmer using the conventional start has the strength advantage of using the power of both legs equally on the start. But there's the disadvantage of not having the body position to explode off the blocks quickly. Swimmers using a track start get quick reactions and are off the blocks first. But my observation is that they lose that advantage because they push off from the blocks first with their back foot, then their lead foot. So they're not using the strength of both legs at the same time. It's one, then the other. In essence, two swimmers of equal strength and ability on the blocks will have different starts. The track start guy will look like he's in the lead, but the normal start guy will use his strength to get into the water at a faster speed and catch the lead swimmer after entry. Watch the men's 400 free in Athens. Everyone exploded off the blocks ahead of Ian Thorpe, but he was even with them at the 15-meter mark, the typical place for breakouts in elite swimming. You'll argue that Ian's stronger, but I don't think so. Bottom line is do the start you're comfortable with.

I would agree that it is a personal thing, do what works for you. However, it seems to me that the track start is far more common among the elite today. When I attended the Santa Clara Invitational this year it struck me as odd that Dennis Baker was using a grab start. Not that the start was odd or that he needs anybody to tell him how to go fast (especially not from me!), but because nearly all of the other swimmers that day were using track starts.

I've done the grab (both feet up front) start for quite a while now. It's always worked better for me - the track start feels awkward. To me, the trick is to bend the knees the right amount when you're in position. I end up bending them only slightly; this makes it easier to get off the block quickly while still providing a lot of power for the energy expended. I also keep my head looking down and slightly forward, then while in the air I pull my arms into a streamline by swinging them horizontally (rather than below my body). Works for me; I typically beat or at least match people much faster than me on the start (especially in breaststroke).