Winning the First Ten Meters: Choosing Your Starting Blocks
In sprinting, the start is everything. A fraction of a second lost in the blocks is nearly impossible to recover on the backstretch. For athletic directors and coaches, selecting starting blocks is about balancing technical precision with institutional-grade durability. You need blocks that stay anchored during a 200lb athlete's explosive drive, but are light enough for a freshman to carry back to the equipment shed. Our collection features everything from competition-grade aluminum rails to budget-friendly steel blocks perfect for middle school P.E. and youth programs.
Engineered for Speed and Stability
We stock specifically chosen starting blocks to ensure your athletes have the mechanical advantage they need at the sound of the gun.
- Competition Aluminum Rails: Preferred by elite programs, aluminum blocks (like the Gill National or Blazer Pro series) offer a rust-proof, lightweight design with polished rails. These allow for micro-adjustments in pedal placement, ensuring every sprinter can find their "perfect" power position.
- Adjustable Pedal Angles: Most of our varsity-level blocks feature 4 or 5 different angle settings (ranging from 45° to 80°). This allows athletes to customize their foot positioning based on their height, leg strength, and driving style.
- Anchor Spikes for Every Surface: Our blocks come equipped with specialized spikes designed to grip all-weather polyurethane tracks without causing damage. Many models feature "spring-loaded" pins or heavy-duty thumb screws that allow for rapid setup and teardown between heats.
- Mongoose & All-Surface Blocks: For programs that train on various surfaces, including grass or older asphalt tracks, we offer "All-Surface" blocks with specialized base plates that provide traction where traditional spikes can't reach.
Why Buy Your Track Gear From Morley Athletic
Since 1931, Morley Athletic has been a trusted family tradition and a leading supplier of premium track and field gear for schools and universities. We know that equipment in a school setting gets used—and abused. That’s why we only stock commercial-grade starting blocks built to withstand years of heavy use. We proudly accept school purchase orders and offer customized quotes for full-lane upgrades. When you shop with Morley Athletic, you are partnering with 95 years of expertise dedicated to getting your athletes out of the blocks faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between aluminum and steel starting blocks?
Aluminum blocks are the choice for varsity and collegiate competition because they are lightweight, rust-proof, and usually offer more precise pedal adjustments. Steel blocks are heavier and highly durable, making them excellent, cost-effective options for middle schools or practice squads where equipment might be handled more roughly.
2. Are these blocks legal for NFHS and NCAA competition?
Yes. All of our competition-grade blocks from brands like Blazer and Gill are manufactured to meet NFHS and NCAA specifications. This includes the dimensions of the pedals and the "non-slip" surface requirements of the pads.
3. Do the blocks come with a storage rack?
Starting blocks are typically sold individually or in pairs. However, for programs managing 8 to 10 sets of blocks, we highly recommend a Starting Block Cart (sold separately). These carts help prevent the pedals from getting lost and make it much easier to move equipment from the shed to the starting line.
4. Can these blocks be used on an indoor track?
Most of our blocks are designed for all-weather outdoor tracks. If you are using them on a wooden gymnasium floor or a hard indoor surface, you will need to use a Starting Block Weight or a specialized indoor floor mat to prevent the blocks from sliding, as the spikes cannot be used.
5. How do I maintain the pedals and rails?
To keep the adjustment mechanism smooth, we recommend wiping down the rails with a dry cloth after a rainy meet to prevent grit from building up. Periodically check that the pedal pads are secure; if they become worn or lose their grip, we offer replacement pedal pads for most major brands.
6. Do you accept school purchase orders for starting blocks?
Absolutely. Morley Athletic has worked directly with schools and universities for over nine decades. We happily accept school purchase orders. Athletic directors and track coaches can easily submit a formal PO to purchase starting blocks, hurdles, batons, and landing systems for their entire program.
Are you looking for a set of elite aluminum blocks for a varsity stadium, or a bulk pack of durable steel blocks for a middle school practice squad?
