When you are in a swimming competition, a good take-off from the pool starting blocks is a crucial part of the race. This is because when you start, you must generate more velocity than at any other point in the race. It is, therefore, important to ensure that you learn how to generate that velocity from the starting block. Here are some tips for using swimming pool starting blocks.

1. Crunching Your Toes is Essential for Better Grip

As you are standing on the starting block, with your toes curled up downwards around the end of the block, it is important to note that the toes will be gripping the lip of the block in an unusual manner. After all, people don't usually try to grip anything else with their toes. So, because of the unusual nature of this position, you might end up with a shaky foot grip around the block. This can cause a loss of torque and leave you depending entirely on your back leg and arm to launch off the block. It is therefore important to find a way to increase grip. You can do this simply by crunching your toes. You do this by laying your toes flat and then curling them towards your heel. A few sets of this exercise daily can greatly improve your grip.

2. Wrap Each of You Thumbs Around the Block

One of the quickest ways to improve your start is to focus more on pulling with your arms on the block. To get the most out of this technique, try and wrap your thumbs around the starting block. This will give you a lot more surface area on the underside of the starting block, and this translates into a more powerful pull.

3. Position Yourself Properly

According to the United States governing body for swimming, known as the USA Swimming, the front edge of the starting platform must be between a foot, 8 inches and two feet, and 5 1/2 inches above the water's surface. However, if the course is short and marked in yards, it is possible for the platform to be about 2 feet, 6 inches above the water. It is important to study the platform and position yourself correctly so that you can generate as much velocity at the beginning as possible. This means you must know how high the platform is above the water line if you are to hold the starting block properly.

Before your start, you must also make sure that the starting block is stable and anchored firmly to the pool's deck or bulkhead. This is a safety precaution that you must never forget. If you manage to use the starting block to your advantage, you will greatly boost your chances of winning.