A Mechanical Analysis of the Grab Starting Technique in Swimming

The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanical characteristics of the hands-between-the-feet grab starting technique which contribute to a faster start. Twenty-four high school swimmers performed four trials of a grab start followed by a glide to a distance of 9 m. The results suggested that to obtain a faster start, swimmers should (a) move the center of mass fast in the forward direction while the feet are in contact with the starting block, (b) maximize the force exerted through the feet in the backward direction, and (c) maximize the force exerted through the hands against the starting block in the forward and upward direction.