How to Dive off a 1-Meter Springboard from Your Hands

You have mastered at least a few tricks off the 1-meter springboard. Read this article to find out how to Dive off a 1-Meter springboard from the handstand position.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deep Pool
• 1-Meter Springboard

1. Practice a Handstand. Do a handstand on the land before attempting this trick on a springboard. To do a handstand on land, step forward off one foot and put both your hands on the ground. Gently kick your feet up so your feet stay directly above your head. Straighten your body out so you look like you are standing on your feet with your hands in the air, except you are upside down. Be able to do a handstand on land for at least 20 seconds. You must be able to balance your body in this position to reduce the risk of hitting the diving board.

2. One more thing to practice on land. Once your have mastered a handstand, assume the handstand position and practice flexing your wrists and bending slightly at the elbow to gently lift some of your weight off the ground. Do not attempt to jump off the ground in a handstand position. You are merely trying to slightly release some weight from your hands and maintain the handstand position.

3. Adjust the Springboard. When first attempting this stunt, you want to twist the knob on the springboard and reduce the springiness of the board. You want to adjust the board to have as little spring as possible. It will be easier to balance your body on a firm surface.

4. Walk to the End of the Board. Assess the situation. Even if you reduced the springiness of the board to a minimum, the board will probably still be a little bouncy.

5. Do a Handstand. Do a handstand on the edge of the board. Let your fingers dangle slightly off the edge of the board. Remember to keep your body straight.

6. Pop off the board. Flex your wrists slightly and gently bend your elbows. You want to use your arms to throw your body away from the board. It will be as if you are jumping off the board, but you will be using your hands and not your feet. Maintain the handstand position after you pop yourself forward off the board. Enter the water as if doing a regular dive.

7. Congratulations. You have just learned how to do a new trick on the 1-meter springboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Be very careful when attempting this stunt. You do not want to make a mistake and hit the diving board.
• At some pools, this trick is not allowed on the diving board. Inquire about the rules before attempting this stunt.