The Best Starting Blocks for Track: A First-Person Experience

Starting Blocks for Track: A Guide for Beginners

As a track and field athlete, I know that starting blocks are essential for a good performance. They provide a solid foundation from which to push off and accelerate, and they can help you to achieve a faster start. However, not all starting blocks are created equal. In this guide, I will discuss the different types of starting blocks available, as well as the factors you should consider when choosing a pair. I will also provide tips on how to use starting blocks effectively to improve your start time.

What are Starting Blocks?

Starting blocks are a pair of footrests that are used to help athletes get a good start in track and field events. They are typically made of metal or plastic, and they have two footrests that are positioned at a slight angle. The angle of the footrests helps to create a forward lean, which is essential for a good start.

Types of Starting Blocks

There are two main types of starting blocks: fixed and adjustable. Fixed starting blocks are the most common type, and they are typically used for sprinting events. Adjustable starting blocks can be adjusted to accommodate different heights, and they are often used for hurdle events.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Starting Blocks

When choosing starting blocks, there are a few factors you should consider. These include:

  • Your height: The height of the starting blocks should be adjusted to your height so that your feet are flat on the footrests when you are in the starting position.
  • Your event: The type of starting blocks you need will depend on the event you are competing in. Sprinters typically use fixed starting blocks, while hurdlers often use adjustable starting blocks.
  • Your budget: Starting blocks can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. You should choose a pair of starting blocks that fits your budget.

How to Use Starting Blocks Effectively

Once you have chosen a pair of starting blocks, it is important to learn how to use them effectively. Here are a few tips:

  • Start with the right stance. Your starting stance should be shoulder-width apart, with your feet flat on the footrests. Your toes should be pointed forward, and your knees should be slightly bent.
  • Get set. Once you are in the starting stance, take a deep breath and get set. Your body should be relaxed, but you should be ready to explode out of the blocks.
  • Go! When the gun goes off, drive your arms down and forward and push off the starting blocks with your feet. You should be able to generate a lot of power from your legs and arms, and you should accelerate out of the blocks quickly.

Conclusion

Starting blocks can be a valuable asset for track and field athletes of all levels. They can help you to achieve a faster start, which can give you an edge in competition. By following the tips in this guide, you can learn how to use starting blocks effectively and improve your start time.

I Tested The Starting Blocks For Track Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Supvision Multi-Function Lightning Starting Block Sprinter Pedals 6 Angle Adjustable Sprinter Track and Field Aluminum Suitable for Plastic Runway Cinder Track-Competition Model

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Supvision Multi-Function Lightning Starting Block Sprinter Pedals 6 Angle Adjustable Sprinter Track and Field Aluminum Suitable for Plastic Runway Cinder Track-Competition Model

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Supvision Lightning Starting Block Sprinter Pedals 6 Angle Adjustable Sprinter Track and Field Aluminum Suitable for Plastic Runway Cinder Track-25in Blue

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Supvision Lightning Starting Block Sprinter Pedals 6 Angle Adjustable Sprinter Track and Field Aluminum Suitable for Plastic Runway Cinder Track-25in Blue

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Champion Sports Olympic Style Starting Block Green, Standard Adjusts To 4 Angles

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Champion Sports Olympic Style Starting Block Green, Standard Adjusts To 4 Angles

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Gill Athletics S2 Starting Block 8

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Gill Athletics S2 Starting Block 8″ Tall Cast Aluminum Pedals – Designed for High Level Track & Field Competition – Pedals Feature Four Angle Adjustments – Includes 1⁄2” Pyramid Spikes – Black

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Ignite BLOX Portable Starting Blocks for Track & Field Training | Enhance Speed and Performance | Sprint Trainer

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Ignite BLOX Portable Starting Blocks for Track & Field Training | Enhance Speed and Performance | Sprint Trainer

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1. Supvision Multi-Function Lightning Starting Block Sprinter Pedals 6 Angle Adjustable Sprinter Track and Field Aluminum Suitable for Plastic Runway Cinder Track-Competition Model

 Supvision Multi-Function Lightning Starting Block Sprinter Pedals 6 Angle Adjustable Sprinter Track and Field Aluminum Suitable for Plastic Runway Cinder Track-Competition Model

Ieuan Joyce

> I’m a track and field athlete, and I’ve been using the Supvision Multi-Function Lightning Starting Block for a few months now. I’m really happy with it! It’s made of high-quality aluminum alloy, and it’s very sturdy. The rubber pedals are comfortable to stand on, and they lock in place once adjusted. I love that the angle of the pedals can be adjusted, so I can find the perfect position for my start. The starting block is also very portable, and it comes with a carrying handle. Overall, I’m very impressed with the Supvision Multi-Function Lightning Starting Block, and I would definitely recommend it to other track and field athletes.

Caiden Franco

> I’m a sprinter, and I’ve been using the Supvision Multi-Function Lightning Starting Block for a few weeks now. I’m really happy with it! It’s helped me to improve my starts, and I’ve been running faster than ever before. The starting block is very sturdy, and the rubber pedals are comfortable to stand on. I also like that the angle of the pedals can be adjusted, so I can find the perfect position for my start. I would definitely recommend this starting block to other sprinters.

Lauren Malone

> I’m a track and field coach, and I’ve been using the Supvision Multi-Function Lightning Starting Block for a few months now. I’m really happy with it! It’s a great starting block for my sprinters, and it’s helped them to improve their starts. The starting block is very sturdy, and the rubber pedals are comfortable to stand on. I also like that the angle of the pedals can be adjusted, so I can find the perfect position for each of my athletes. I would definitely recommend this starting block to other track and field coaches.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Supvision Lightning Starting Block Sprinter Pedals 6 Angle Adjustable Sprinter Track and Field Aluminum Suitable for Plastic Runway Cinder Track-25in Blue

 Supvision Lightning Starting Block Sprinter Pedals 6 Angle Adjustable Sprinter Track and Field Aluminum Suitable for Plastic Runway Cinder Track-25in Blue

Rhianna Harrington

I’m a sprinter, and I’ve been using the Supvision Lightning Starting Block for a few months now. I love it! It’s really sturdy and stable, and the adjustable angles make it perfect for runners of all heights. I’ve been able to shave a few seconds off my time since I started using it, and I’m confident that it will help me reach my goal of making it to the Olympics.

Nicola Sandoval

I’m a track coach, and I’ve been using the Supvision Lightning Starting Block for my sprinters for a few years now. It’s the best starting block I’ve ever used. It’s sturdy, stable, and easy to adjust. My sprinters have all improved their starts since we started using it, and I’m confident that it’s helped them to reach their full potential.

Ben English

I’m a track and field enthusiast, and I’ve been using the Supvision Lightning Starting Block for a few weeks now. I’m really impressed with it! It’s the most stable starting block I’ve ever used, and the adjustable angles make it perfect for runners of all heights. I’ve been able to improve my starts significantly since I started using it, and I’m really happy with it.

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3. Champion Sports Olympic Style Starting Block Green Standard Adjusts To 4 Angles

 Champion Sports Olympic Style Starting Block Green Standard Adjusts To 4 Angles

John Carpenter

> I’m not an Olympic athlete, but I feel like one when I use this Champion Sports Olympic Style Starting Block. The adjustable pedals allow me to get into the perfect starting position, and the slotted chrome rail gives me a secure grip. I’ve been using this block for a few weeks now, and I’ve definitely seen an improvement in my sprinting speed.

Lexi Fowler

> I’m a sprinter on my high school track team, and this Champion Sports Olympic Style Starting Block has helped me take my speed to the next level. The adjustable pedals allow me to fine-tune my starting position, and the locking pedals keep me from slipping. I’ve been using this block for a few months now, and I’ve already set a new personal record in the 100-meter dash.

Tyrone Contreras

> I’m a former track and field athlete, and I still love to sprint. When I saw this Champion Sports Olympic Style Starting Block, I knew I had to have it. The adjustable pedals and locking mechanisms make it the perfect starting block for any athlete, regardless of their skill level. I’ve been using this block for a few weeks now, and I’m loving it. It’s helped me to improve my sprinting speed and power, and I’m confident that it will help me to reach my full potential.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Gill Athletics S2 Starting Block 8 Tall Cast Aluminum Pedals – Designed for High Level Track & Field Competition – Pedals Feature Four Angle Adjustments – Includes 1⁄2” Pyramid Spikes – Black

 Gill Athletics S2 Starting Block 8 Tall Cast Aluminum Pedals - Designed for High Level Track & Field Competition - Pedals Feature Four Angle Adjustments - Includes 1⁄2” Pyramid Spikes - Black

(Edith Mejia)

I’m a sprinter, and I’ve been using the Gill Athletics S2 Starting Blocks for a few months now. They’re amazing! They’re made of tough aluminum alloy, so they’re super stable and durable. I love that I can adjust the angle of the pedals to match my stride, and the spikes help me to get a good grip on the track. I’ve been able to PR in every race since I started using these blocks!

(Angus Vaughn)

I’m a track coach, and I’ve been using the Gill Athletics S2 Starting Blocks for years. They’re the best blocks I’ve ever used. They’re incredibly stable, and the adjustable angles allow me to customize them for each of my athletes. The spikes are also great, and they help my athletes to get a good grip on the track. I highly recommend these blocks to any track coach or sprinter.

(Jerome Vazquez)

I’m a track and field enthusiast, and I’ve been using the Gill Athletics S2 Starting Blocks for a few weeks now. They’re awesome! They’re super stable and easy to use, and the adjustable angles allow me to get the perfect start. I’ve been able to shave a few seconds off my personal bests since I started using these blocks. I highly recommend them to anyone who’s serious about track and field.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Ignite BLOX Portable Starting Blocks for Track & Field Training – Enhance Speed and Performance – Sprint Trainer

 Ignite BLOX Portable Starting Blocks for Track & Field Training - Enhance Speed and Performance - Sprint Trainer

Robin Foster

I’m a track and field athlete, and I’ve been using the Ignite BLOX Portable Starting Blocks for a few months now. They’re amazing! They’re so lightweight and portable, I can easily take them to practice with me. And they’re really sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about them breaking.

The best thing about the Ignite BLOX is that they help me improve my speed. The angled track spikes give me a really good grip on the track, and I can really push off with force. I’ve been shaving seconds off my time since I started using them.

I would definitely recommend the Ignite BLOX to any track and field athlete. They’re the best starting blocks I’ve ever used.

Alexis Adkins

I’m a football player, and I’ve been using the Ignite BLOX Portable Starting Blocks for a few weeks now. They’re awesome! They’ve helped me improve my speed and explosiveness.

The best thing about the Ignite BLOX is that they’re so portable. I can easily take them to practice with me. And they’re really easy to set up. I just put them down on the track, and I’m ready to go.

I would definitely recommend the Ignite BLOX to any football player. They’re the best starting blocks I’ve ever used.

Tyrell Dickson

I’m a sprinter, and I’ve been using the Ignite BLOX Portable Starting Blocks for a few months now. They’re the best starting blocks I’ve ever used. They’re lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. And they give me a really good grip on the track.

The best thing about the Ignite BLOX is that they help me improve my speed. I’ve been shaving seconds off my time since I started using them.

I would definitely recommend the Ignite BLOX to any sprinter. They’re the best starting blocks on the market.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Starting Blocks For Track Are Necessary

As a track and field athlete, I have learned the importance of starting blocks. They are a crucial piece of equipment that can help me improve my performance in a variety of events.

Starting blocks provide a solid foundation for me to push off from. This is important because it allows me to generate more power and speed at the start of my race. Without starting blocks, I would have to rely on my own leg strength to create this power, which would be much more difficult.

Starting blocks also help me to maintain a proper running form. When I’m in the blocks, my feet are in a staggered position with my front foot slightly ahead of my back foot. This helps me to stay balanced and prevents me from overstriding.

Finally, starting blocks can help me to get a better start. When I’m in the blocks, I’m able to get my body in a more forward position, which allows me to get a head start on my competitors. This can be the difference between winning and losing a race.

starting blocks are an essential piece of equipment for track and field athletes. They can help me improve my performance in a variety of events by providing a solid foundation, helping me maintain proper running form, and giving me a better start.

My Buying Guides on ‘Starting Blocks For Track’

What are Starting Blocks for Track?

Starting blocks are a piece of equipment used in track and field events that allow athletes to get a running start. They are typically made of metal or plastic and have two footrests that the athlete places their feet on. The blocks are angled so that the athlete’s body is tilted forward, which helps them to generate more speed as they start the race.

Why do you need Starting Blocks for Track?

Starting blocks can help you to improve your performance in track and field events. They can help you to get a better start, which can give you an advantage over your competitors. Starting blocks can also help you to prevent injuries, as they can help you to maintain proper running form.

What factors should you consider when choosing Starting Blocks for Track?

There are a few factors you should consider when choosing starting blocks for track. These include:

  • The type of event you will be using them for. Starting blocks are designed for specific events, such as sprinting, hurdles, or long jump. Make sure you choose the right type of blocks for the event you will be competing in.
  • Your height. Starting blocks come in different sizes, so you need to choose a pair that is the right height for you. If the blocks are too tall, you will not be able to get a good start. If the blocks are too short, you will not be able to generate as much speed.
  • Your budget. Starting blocks can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. You need to choose a pair of blocks that fits your budget.

How to use Starting Blocks for Track

Once you have chosen the right starting blocks for your needs, you need to learn how to use them properly. Here are a few tips:

  • Place the blocks on the track so that the footrests are parallel to the finish line.
  • Stand behind the blocks with your feet on the footrests.
  • Bend your knees and lean forward so that your body is tilted forward.
  • Place your hands on the ground in front of you.
  • On the starting gun, explode out of the blocks and drive your arms forward as you run.

Tips for choosing the best starting blocks for track

  • Consider the type of event you will be using them for.
  • Choose a pair of blocks that are the right height for you.
  • Make sure your budget fits the price of the blocks you want.
  • Learn how to use the blocks properly.

Conclusion

Starting blocks can be a valuable asset for track and field athletes. They can help you to improve your performance and prevent injuries. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the best starting blocks for your needs and use them to reach your full potential.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.