In 2013, USMS Rules were updated to allow for the use of Backstroke Starting Ledges. Backstrokers have long dealt with the challenge of their feet slipping on the wall, preparing for a start. The backstroke starting ledge was designed with this in mind; to give backstrokers a more consistent starting surface and to reduce the number of slips on the start.
As Ohio Splashers prepare for upcoming swim meets close to home and internationally, we wanted to share this great instructional video on how to use Starting Ledges.
Although you may have not seen these wedges at local meets, it is likely they will become more prevalent coming to a meet close to home in the near future. In the April 2016 issue of United States Masters Swimming’s (USMS) bimonthly email publication, Streamlines, a helpful video was attached. We link to it below for your review.
We hope you find this video featuring, USMS’s Jay Eckert informative, as he explains how to set up and use Colorado Time System’s Backstroke Start Device.