QuestionHi! I'm 17 years old, and I started diving for my high school team last year as a junior. It didn't exactly come naturally to me; I only got to do one meet all year and I scored pretty badly. I attended just about all the practices, and I even practice once or twice a week now, even though it's the off-season (we are only allowed to practice when my coach is around, so she comes to the pool 2 times a week during the summer). Anyway, I was wondering, what kinds of things can I do (exercises, stretches, lessons somewhere, anything?) in order to become a better diver? I really hope to be a stronger competitor next year as a senior, but I'm not sure how to achieve my goal. I will be attending Penn State's Diving Camp this summer, and I hope that will help me improve, but I'm not sure what else to do. Any ideas? Thanks!
PS: I live near Pittsburgh, PA, if that helps?
AnswerOlivia -
Here is what I suggest you do:
1. The camp will be a great experience for you. Coach Brown and his staff do a great job with high school divers. You need to prepare yourself for about 6 hours of diving a day for 5 days or so. This is something you are probably not used to. You also need to be ready to do some easy skills from the 3 meter. If there is a 3 meter near where you live, I think you should practice off it doing fundamental jumps and front dives to ready yourself for that height.
2. The closest program to you and one of the best in your state is found at the University of Pittsburgh. Julian Krug, the head coach, has a club program with lessons. He and his wife can help you be a better high school diver.His e-mail is
[email protected]. Send him a note asking about his lesson program that is either on campus or at an outdoor pool they use in the summer. I think it is called Settlers Cabin pool.
3. Go to these websites to obtain more info on being a better diver:
www.diving.about.com - Lots of info about high school diving.Sign up for his free newsletter.
www.flipnrip.com - Click on videos and then lessons.There is a series of videos by the coach from the University of Indiana that will help you. Other good videos on this page about how to do dives better. Registration is free.
www.usadiving.org - Click on Store and then look for educational materials.Lots of good dvd's and cd roms on how to do lots of different dives.
www.laurawilkinson.com - Laura is the most successful female diver in US history. She has a great DVD on the type of exercises you need to do this summer. You will also be doing a lot of stretching and abdominal work at the Penn State Camp.Prepare yourself for the camp by doing stretches and sit-ups before you go.
www.usadiver.com - Articles about diving.
www.springboardsandmore.com - Look for a great book on Competitive Diving by Hobie Billingsley.
Good luck at the camp.
