Swim Direct Blog

Each stroke is going to have a variation for how the start will begin during a competition. A swimmer that does not have the proper start can be disqualified during the competition. This is usually a disqualification for a false start, in which the swimmer moved before the buzzer sounded. We are going to look at the different starts. The first start is called the forward start, where you are on a starting block, pool deck, or will push off from the wall. The referee is going to signal for the swimmers to approach the blocks and gain their position. Once the referee has seen all the swimmers in the standard position he or she will then blow the next whistle for the meet to begin. The forward start is going to have one foot in front on the starting platform or area, with their hands curled around the edge of the platform. For the backstroke both feet must be on the wall and the hands will either be gripping the start bars on the platform or the wall.