how to dive courtesy wikyhow

1. Learn how to dive without a starting block. If you can't dive from flat ground into a pool, you
definitely should not be diving off a starting block yet.

2. Step onto the starting block, only once you have learned the basics of diving.Start by placing
one of your feet on front so the toes of that foot are over the edge. Place your other foot about
shoulder-width behind you. It doesn't matter which foot is in front, you can experiment with
both to see which you can dive better with. You should be facing toward the pool, remembering
to breathe until the starter or your coach says, "take your mark."

3. Crouch down with your feet where they were and grab the front of the starting block with one
hand at a time, once you hear, "take your mark." Bend down far enough so your chest is
touching the top of your thighs. When you become better, you should be leaning enough
forward so you feel like you could fall in at any time. Remember to remain still though until you
hear the signal to go.

4. Jump off the block by pushing forward off it with your arms and legs simultaneously
once you are given the signal to go. In the air, your arms should quickly move into the
streamline position above your head. As you hit the water, make sure your head is tucked in
and that you straighten your body out after you enter the water to avoid going too deep.
Begin dolphin kicking immediately unless you are doing breaststroke. If you are doing
breaststroke then see the article for making a breaststroke pull-down.

5. Tips
Keep your head down when entering the water and keep your hands tight together so when
they hit the water they won't come apart or push your arms back.
A swim cap can help your goggles stay on.
Make sure your goggles are on securely. It is very easy for them to fall off or fill with water once
you hit the surface.
Wet your goggles before diving off, as the water will help them stay on.
Ask your coach to help you with your dive.
They can tell you what you are doing wrong. If you are not on a swim team, ask someone at the
pool if they know someone that can help you.
Perfect this; it is the fastest part of your race.
If you are doing a relay dive, then you do a slightly different dive.
You first need to make a triangle with your hands.
Use this triangle to follow the swimmer that is going before you.
when they are about 5 inches from the wall, you want to swing your arms back in a circle and
then forward into streamline.
You will of course have to jump off the block to do this dive though, not just swing your arms.
Practice this until you can do it well, but do not use this start for normal races
When you are about to dive, tuck your head into your chest. This helps keep your goggles from
leaking and falling off.

6. Warnings
Never dive from a starting block with fins on because the
wearing of fins makes the diver unable to grip the edge of
the pool or starting block with their toes. This creates the
potential for the diver to slip, which can result in injury.
Dive out not down. You shouldn't need to dive deeper than
about two feet to get a fast racing start. Deep dives in
shallow water risk serious injury.
Never dive without proper knowledge and supervision.