diving instruction advice

Question
QUESTION: this might be kind of weird.  my kid is 15; he's been enrolled in team diving off and on for the past two years.  he's OK - not super-serious. he dives in the summer for our country club and in the spring for the high school.  he's one of the best in his age group - but not a "star".   

We are reenrolling him this month in what is called "pre-team" diving at our local diving academy - it is twice a week for 4.5 hours per day, land and water.  He loves diving but hates the coach, the intensity and the seriousness!!  The coach of course is focused on the kids who take it more seriously and are more athletic.  We would rather have more casual lessons, but all that's available is this diving academy.  Can you suggest anything I can say to my kid - or the coach - to make everyone happier?  He's not a driven kid, but I still think this is a great sport for him and a good way to stay in shape!  thanks - mom

ANSWER: EC -

This is a difficult question to answer. I think I could help you further if I knew the name of the academy that you son is enrolled in. Since this is an anonymous website, please do no be afraid of letting me know where it is that he dives. When I have this info, I really feel that after knowing the name of the program without naming the coach, that I can help you better.

Please ask a follow up question at your convenience

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: we're at PDA (pacific diving academy) in Cerritos/Santa Fe Springs, CA.  The instructor is Chris Vonk.  Thanks!

Answer
I am familiar with the program your son is enrolled in. I have known Andy and Amy Kwan for many years as Amy and I judge together at collegiate meets. I just saw Andy at the J.O. World Age Group Champs last month in Arizona.

I would ask Amy if she is willing to form a different practice group that consists of just high school divers who want to concentrate in getting better on one meter in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you tell her that your son is not interested in an intense practice session and that he is not interested in being on their club team and you get a group of divers that feel the same way, she may form this group. Pool time may be a factor in this. You have to hope that she can find an hour or two of pool and dryland time for a new group.

In the past, when I would form practice groups, I would always set up a couple of days per week for high school only divers and not put them with pre - team or team kids because I knew it would be too intense. If you approach this gently and with about 5 or 6 other divers who feel the same way, you may get what you want.

If this does not happen, you can always try looking for another program. Go to www.usadiving.org, click on Clubs and then Find A Club. Enter CA and a list of teams will come up. Diving is very strong in your area and there are lots of coaches. I am sure you can find someone to suit your son's needs.