In competitive swimming, one of the most important skills a swimmer can have is a fast start from the blocks. It is a tremendous advantage to be able to get off the block faster than the competition. The type of start a swimmer uses can have a significant impact on the speed at which a swimmer leaves the block and the distance to water entry. Two commonly used types of starts are the standard start, in which the swimmer's feet are at the front edge of the starting block, and the track start, in which the swimmer's feet are staggered, one at the front edge of the block, and the other 15-20 cm behind the front edge. Swimmers choose these starts in about equal numbers, with a majority of swimmers preferring one or the other. For a given swimmer, is there a competitive advantage between the two types of swimming starts?
The purpose of our investigation is to compare the biomechanics of the standard and track starts to determine if there is a competitive advantage for one of the start types. Our group, comprised of two former swimmers with an interest in coaching swimming, chose to research this topic because we recognize the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to a fast and good start.