Basic Diving Techniques

Before you can leap head first into the water, you need to learn basic diving techniques. Basic diving techniques will help prevent injury and help you execute a dive with good form. Get ready to get in the pool by learning these basic diving techniques. Always make sure you are diving into water that is deep enough so you don't get hurt.

1. Learn the initial jump. The most important of all basic diving techniques is the forward approach. Practice the forward approach on the ground before trying it out on a diving board. Stand with your shoulders and arms aligned and your arms at your side. Your head should point down. Walk three steps towards the edge of the pool.
2. Jump into the air. Lift your right leg up so that the knee bends at a 90 degree angle. Your feet should point down. Lift your arms over your head as you jump and lean your head towards the edge of the pool. As you land, your arms will fall back to your sides. Lift them back over your head the second your feet hit the edge of the board. Practice the forward approach over and over before you progress to other diving techniques.
3. Position your arms correctly. To have the best basic diving technique, you need to hold your arms pressed against your ears. Your arms should be extended above your head. Keep your hands flat. When you dive into the water, your hands will make a hole in the water for the rest of your body to slide through without a splash.
4. Hold your body properly when diving. Proper alignment is a very important diving technique. Press your legs together and keep your toes pointed when diving. Your legs will be straight during most dives. If you are doing a tuck dive, they will bend at the knees and be held close to your body. Holding your body correctly not only looks good, it protects you from injury.