The effect of different kick start positions on OMEGA OSB11 blocks on free swimming time to 15 m in developmental level swimmers

• Three swim-start positions (front, neutral and rear-weighted) were investigated.
• Block time was longer for the rear-weighted position compared to the front-weighted position.
• The rear-weighted position had faster times to 5 and 15 m than the front-weighted position.
• No differences were found in the velocity at 5 or 15 m.
• Recommendation is to use neutral-weighted or rear-weighted position.

The introduction of the OMEGA OSB11 starting blocks (Swiss Timing, Corgémont, Switzerland) which feature an adjustable inclined plate built into the rear of the platform, have led to the evolution of the “kick start” style of swimming start. Previous studies examining the effect of different starting positions using the OSB11 starting blocks have not examined swimming performance over distances beyond 7.5 m. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to compare three starting positions (front, neutral and rear-weighted) using the kick start to determine whether a given position can improve swimming performance over a 15 m distance. After undergoing four weeks of dive training using each of the three positions, ten developmental level swimmers completed three 20 m sprint trials in each position. Results indicated that the neutral and rear-weighted positions produced faster times to 15 m (p < .01) when compared to the front-weighted position. Starting position did not affect the swimmer’s velocity between 4.5 and 5.5 m or between 14.5 and 15.5 m (p = .50). Developmental level swimmers should choose between a neutral-weighted or rear-weighted position on the new OSB11 starting blocks.