The ability to start quickly and run laterally appears to be important in a number of sports including football, baseball, volleyball, and tennis. Coaches and teachers vary in their recommendations for the most effective technique for moving laterally. Two techniques are widely accepted: the jab step and the cross-over step. A technique that is not as widely recognized is the back step. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of these three starting techniques in lateral running to the right up to 90 feet. The jab step was performed by pushing off the left foot moving the right foot a short distance to the right, pivoting on the right foot and running. The cross-over step was accomplished by pivoting on the right foot and moving the left foot across the front of the right foot. The back step consisted of moving the right foot back behind the left and stepping to the right with the left foot. The subjects were 21 male university students ranging in age from 18 to 34 years. Subjects who participated in organized baseball at the high school level or above were excluded from the study. Baseball coaches tend to advocate the cross-over technique over all others. Thus, the subjects had no known bias for any of the techniques. Using a balanced order, each subject received instruction in one technique at a time, practiced 4-5 trials and, after adequate rest, performed 5 trials. Each trial consisted of running through 6 timing stations set at 9-18-27-36-60 90 feet. Subjects were tested in pairs to promote a competitive setting. The subjects returned on subsequent days to perform each of the other techniques. ANOVA revealed that the cross-step was significantly faster than the other techniques (F=10.98, p=0.00). Indeed, the cross-step was faster at every timing station. Means and standard deviations: cross-over step- 2.905 ±1.248 sec; back step- 2.951±1.254 sec; jab step- 2.955±1.269 sec. There was no difference between the jab step and the back step. Further analysis compared subjects based upon their height. Three groups were created: short, medium, and tall. The short group was significantly slower at all distances. There were no significant differences on trials or order. Although the cross-step proved to be faster, one has to examine the magnitude of the difference to determine its efficacy in their particular sport. Keyword(s): athletics/sports, coaching, technique