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

So it seems the backstroke rule has changed then, because, as a kid, I remember curling my toes over the edge of the wall. Am I right? Syd Yep, I remember the only requirement was that the heel of the foot had to be touching the water. That was all. Paul

That is interesting and suggests something wrong with your technique, especially considering your reaction time in the block start is so good. Syd Thanks a lot Syd. But I have to say here that for some of us who are tall, being wrapped up in a tight ball and trying to explode off the blocks backwards doesn't work that well. Kinda like those people who flip turn and are in a tight ball; it can diminish movement. I swam backstroke for over 30 years and did pretty well race wise. Plus, since I mentioned the backstroke start being problematic from time-to-time, I probably am not the only one who suffered from feet slipping down the wall either since our toes could not be above the water line. At least I won more races than I lost even without a terrific back start; made up lots of time on turns and in the straight-aways.

Thanks a lot Syd. But I have to say here that for some of us who are tall, being wrapped up in a tight ball and trying to explode off the blocks backwards doesn't work that well. Kinda like those people who flip turn and are in a tight ball; it can diminish movement. I swam backstroke for over 30 years and did pretty well race wise. Plus, since I mentioned the backstroke start being problematic from time-to-time, I probably am not the only one who suffered from feet slipping down the wall either since our toes could not be above the water line. At least I won more races than I lost even without a terrific back start; made up lots of time on turns and in the straight-aways. Thankfully, I don't have to face any of these problems. Well, not yet anyway. I am in the habit of giving myself challenges so maybe I will be entering myself for the 100 back in the future! But, for the time being, backstroke remains my 'evilstroke'. Water gets up my nose and I am all thrashing limbs and sinking midsection. Trust me, it is not a pretty sight. Not to mention those turns. I live in fear of breaking my wrist on the wall. So it seems the backstroke rule has changed then, because, as a kid, I remember curling my toes over the edge of the wall. Am I right? Syd

I have a thought: why can't ALL strokes just go off the blocks? It's all relative anyway. Like a freestyle start, dolphin kicking, no arms, flip over at 15 meters, and swim backstroke. What?! After all the work I've done on my backstroke starts? No way, I need an edge, sistah! Sounds like you shoulda been a sprinter with that fast free start. :thhbbb:

Don't remember when there was a rule change, obviously a long time ago (LOL). In the 90's, I could curl my toes over the gutter lip which improved my start immensely. I remember having the feet underwater when I was swimming AAU. I have a thought: why can't ALL strokes just go off the blocks? It's all relative anyway. Like a freestyle start, dolphin kicking, no arms, flip over at 15 meters, and swim backstroke.

which ever feels best i put left forward I remember when my friend taught me how to water ski. He told me to stand feet together and then he pushed me. Instinctively my left foot shot out to steady myself. He said that is the foot that should be in front on the slalom ski. What is the thinking on the starting block position? Which foot should be in front? Syd