Backstroke Starts

There is a strong similarity between the principles of forward dives and those of backstroke starts.  The longer the flight in the air translates to one-to-two meters gained per second.

 

 
Streamline entry is important and the hands should be together.

 
 

The explosion up-out of the water is critical for an effective backstroke start. Good height is important.

The speed developed by a well-executed start is greater than that which can be achieved in any form of swimming

 
  We travel three to ten times faster in the air than in the water. The value adopted internationally for gravitational acceleration is 9.806 meters per second squared. Actual diving air speed is three-to-four meters per second. Water speed is approximately. one-to-two meters per second.

 
 

It is possible to elevate 100 meter times markedly by simply maximizing the skill elements of the backstroke start.

The back should be arched to create a proper angle of entry into the water.

 
  Activities in racing start skills can be quickly improved and with substantial impact in knocking-down a swimmer's race times.

 
  If swimmers set their sights on being the most skilled in starts, their national status would be affected in a very noticeable fashion.