diving and flip-turns

Question
I am losing time on my starts (dive) and flip-turns.  For my dives sometimes my legs separate and I struggle to keep them together.  I also don't get out as far as the other racers and start the race about two strokes behind the other swimmers which I have to make up.  I tend to slow down going into the flip turn and end up turning too close to the wall and again losing time which i have to make up.  Would you have any suggestions on exercises or other improvements to my technique which I could work on to help me improve with these two areas.Thank you!

Answer
Leah--
We'll start with your dive.  It sounds like you aren't pushing completely with your legs.  This does two things, first it causes your start to fall short and because your legs aren't fully extended when you leave the blocks, they go pretty much where they want, usually bending and flopping into the water.
As for your turn, it sounds like a confidence problem.  Some thing that might help is to think in terms of backstroke where you count your strokes from the flags, do this when you swim freestyle also.  Always swim into the turn at full speed and do your turn, you may hit your heels on the side a few times and you may miss the wall completely, but you need to get used to going into the turns fast so you can get comfortable and gauge where you need to start your turn from.  Again, practice at race pace as much as possible so you can gain confidence.
Good Luck,
George