I know this will sound dumb, but how do you dive off a diving board into a pool?

Question

Yeah, I'm a bozo, but I go to the pool. I go to the board (maybe about 5 ft. from the water) and I'll see these guys do these crazy aeronautic flips and twists and vaults through the air. Now when I get to the board, if I try to dive, I generally gain no air and just end up doing a standard dive, without gaining much air in the jump.

I guess what I'm getting at is, how do you get to the point where you jump off the board, launch through the air and do a dive? Are there certain steps to practice first to build up to doing the dive?

Answer 1

There are two basic ways:
1) Take a bit of a run-up and jump into the air about a meter infront of the end of the board. Time the speed and distance so you land near the end of the board (as close as possible without danger of slipping off - you will crack your back and head on the edge of the board). As you are in the air raise your legs a bit and as you come down straighten your legs onto the board. With your weight pushing the board down and the thrust of you legs it will give you extra spring. This will project you up into the air quite high and because of the run-up, forward. Sort of go up and then bend in the air down into the dive. This is a good way to start. Oh yes, as you feel the board is about to spring you up push with your legs, down. This will give you more spring and lift.
You will get the feel of it after a few jumps.

2) Stand on the dge of the board and jump up, raise your legs and as you come down straighten them into the spring of the board. (like above). Do this mabe three times and you will get good height (like in a trampoline). Then dive. With this you don't have the forward motion so becareful you will land near the fron of the board, on the last spring, spring forward. Do the same bend in the air and dive in.

If you have a trampoline to practice the leg movement on - great. If not keep practicing till you get it (usually 5 or so jumps). The first few might be bit odd. From there you can start doing summersaults and stuff using the run-up as forward momentum. Only do this when you are comfortable though. And be prepared for a couple of very ouch landings. Good fun! Its all about co-ords and timing. After a few jumps it is second nature and you won't even think about it.

Good luck and happy landings!

Answer 2

If you are diving off a spring board, then you have to activate the springs by jumping up and down. The harder you jump, the more momentum you build. Try a belly flop next time.

Answer 3

i taught my kids by getting them to sit on the end of the board and roll off diving down,then standing diving out and down,then running a few steps,gradually through repitition you'll get higher and further,try keeping your legs together and keeping the body straight,but as always confidence comes with practice,good luck.x

Answer 4

it is really not hard at all. you take a few steps and jump on the board outward toward the water and dive at the same time.

Answer 5

Start on a trampoline. This will in time give you the courage to jump higher and do more extravegant flips and such. Best wishes

Answer 6

i would suggest going somewhere where they have coaches/trainers that can assist you with supervised diving. you don't want to end up cracking your head against something or getting other injuries. they can also gives tips/critiques to help you out until you get comfortable diving on your own.

Answer 7

The best way to learn in to use a trampoline. This way you can practice your flips and twists without fear, or embarrasment. You have to learn to control your body's momentum and get over the initial fear. good luck.

Answer 8

yes i go 2 the board only about 7 ft. its fun hope u have fun !

Answer 9

it's something you just have to learn and practice alot.... may suggest you sign up for an andvanced swim lesson ...most all pools offer them. that is how i learnt the basics!!!

Answer 10

uhh.. you jump up and down then just off and do a normal dive..