1 meter springboard diving

Question
I am coaching high school divers, some new to the sport.  I am having difficulty getting the kids to wait on the board. What training techniques can I use to get them to ride the board?

Answer
Jackie -

The problem you are describing is common among new high school divers. They just try and throw a dive instead of learning how to use the board. Here are somethings that may help them:

1.I explain to new divers that the board is a lever system designed to bend a long way and then, if the diver is on the board long enough, will throw them high into the air. The divers job is push the board at the right time and then stay with it as it comes back up to get the maximum throw the board has to offer based on how far it goes down.If the diver puts a lot of energy into the board and then does not wait to get it back then it is a waste of energy.They need to finish their press to get the full benefit.

2. I also tell new divers about the fulcrum setting. I tell then their goal is to able to use the fulcrum as far back as possible. I have them start the position at the half way point and then get them to slowly use the board at a springier setting. It may be that these divers are using a tight fulcrum setting because it is easier. I tell them that if they get too used to a tight board that when it comes to higher D.D. dives that require a springier board, they won't be able to use the board the right way.

3. It could be that your divers are "punching" the board in their hurdle which will cause them to leave the board sooner than it can throw them.Punching or pounding comes from the diver landing on the board flat footed and trying to push the board too soon causing them to be out of time with it.If this is so, have them do practice approaches where they land on the balls of their feet and then push the board later when it is on the way down. I tell divers that they do not have to punch the board to get it to bend because their weight will bend it upon impact. Their job is to time when to push it along with the right timing on their arm circle.I also have them do a lot of simple jumps to practice riding the board.

Go to www.flipnrip.com and at the top of the page, click on videos. On that page along the left hand side, click on diving lessons and then click on hurdle. There will be a video from Jeff Huber, Indiana University and Olympic coach giving a mini clinic on the problem your divers are going through.

Also , try www.about.diving.com and navigate your way to an article by Woody Franklin about the front approach. He has a free newsletter you and your divers should subscribe to.I received one earlier this month about this subject. I am sure you will be able to find it.

Other websites about diving are;

www.usadiving.com - Click on Store and then educational items. There you will find videos, dvds and cd roms on a variety of diving subjects that I am sure will help your team.

www.laurawilkinson.com - Site by our number one female diver. She has a new dvd on diving techniques you might like.

www.usadiver.com - Articles on diving.

www.springboardsandmore.com - Look up Steve's blog on various diving problems that may help you.

www.divemeets.com -Site about diving meets with results.

Good luck with your team