Best starting block position: left foot forward or right foot?

stronger leg forward. That's how it is in track anyway. Also, don't lean back on set. It takes to long to react and pull your body forward with the arms. Better off leaning forward with loose arms to clear the platform fastest. This is my opinion, but I would like to hear from others.

stronger leg forward. That's how it is in track anyway. Also, don't lean back on set. It takes to long to react and pull your body forward with the arms. Better off leaning forward with loose arms to clear the platform fastest. This is my opinion, but I would like to hear from others. Check out Ian Crocker's starts. He leans back. George can post a link. I remember some of his starts were awesome at SCY Nationals. When leaning forward, I tend to go more down than out. But I could do it either way. I'm experimenting with this new way for more forward torque.

You have three options for feet placement: 1 - both feet forward 2 - left foot forward 3 - right foot forward Most folks will tell you that #1 gives you the slowest reaction time, but the force of the two-feet will essentially negate any of that once you hit the water. #2 and #3 are by comfort level. You probably want to put your stronger leg as the forward leg. I am right handed, and 51% right footed, but it is the left leg that is forward for me. I think this is because of basketball. In a layup, if you're going up for a layup, your inner leg is the one you jump off. Since I am righty, I spent more time going off my left leg, therefore making it the stronger leg. Try 10 starts w/ your left leg forward; then 10 with your right. See which gives you the faster start and the better breakout. Pick that one.

Maybe leaning back is faster, but I felt like I got left behind the last time. I still need to work on what is best. I do know I like the track start. Starts are hard to analyze. If you lean back you may not get off the platform as quick, but you will have more forward momentum. There does seem to be a mix of leaning back and not leaning as far back.

Stand with your feet together and have someone push you backward, which ever foot goes back for you to gain your balance, that is the one that should be back.

Put your feet where you are most comfortable. If you left foot is more comfortable in front, put it there or vice versa. There is no right/wrong with this, as it is different for each person. I switched from the grab start to the track start early on. Now I lean back a bit and try to spring forward, launching with my strong foot. I'm a righty, but I put my left foot forward. Although right handed, when it comes to sports, I am left side dominant. Left hand, left foot, etc. (Probably why all my sports injuries are on my left side? Hmm....) I even have to have my left hand under the right hand while in my superman streamline or I just don't feel comfortable. Do what is best for you!

The going in position from this coaches point of view is: Strongest "Leg" forward as that is the leg that will be doing the majority of the launch......the rear leg does not do a whole lot besides stabilizing your body. I myself use the 2 footed start....I can usually....not always.....but usually beat the kids that I coach to the 15 meter point even though I might not be the first off the blocks....it's all in the entry and the streamline. But the biggest thing to take away from this is that it varies a whole lot from swimmer to swimmer....Just my:2cents: of course..... One thing we should all take away from these types of discussions is there is no "one way" to do something. The key to grow and succeed is to take in a variety of viewpoints, try them all, and adapt to what works best for you. In my case the two footed grab start as TJ still works best for me for exactly the reasons described. My wife is still experimenting, she tried and lean back grad start 3 years ago and ended up with a 95% tear of her rotator cuff....which leads to my last bit of "wisdom".....practice starts 2-3x a week during the season.....not the last 2 weeks of a taper!

One coach I had said the starting block was the most important piece of equipment for practice.If you practice starts all year it is much easier to get comfortable and to experiment than if you wait until a little before a meet.(I know many places won't let you use the blocks or even dive from the side.I don't have a solution for that.:()

Syd I think it would be what leg you feel stronger with. I am right handed so naturally would put my right foot forward. It is just what comes natural to me Does that make sense? Katie

My wife is still experimenting, she tried and lean back grad start 3 years ago and ended up with a 95% tear of her rotator cuff....which leads to my last bit of "wisdom".....practice starts 2-3x a week during the season.....not the last 2 weeks of a taper! Oh great. 1x a week max on practice for me. I really don't want a Nick Brunelli type start rip ... Thanks for cheering me up. You owe me vino for that!