Additional Information About FINA Approved Blocks
Due to the new FINA blocks being introduced in 2009, the track start has been viewed as a more efficient way to dive specifically in sprint races (Takeda et al., 2011). According to Honda et al. (2010) incorporating the new back plate in the block allows swimmers to perform the skills faster. This can be due to the increase of horizontal forces and horizontal velocity that can be used in the take-off phase of the dive (Takeda et al., 2011). Takeda et al. (2011) conducted a study which stated that there is a very small advantage in track starting from the block with a back plate than performing a track start without one.
This is a picture of what the new FINA blocks with back plate looks like. These back plates are adjustable to all swimmers.