Comments on: How to Do a Racing Dive

on 8/15/2008 I was a racer back in the 60's and our racing dives were not at all like the ones we are seeing today. These kids today looking more like they're jumping into the water rather than trying to just skim the surface like we used to do. I can't really figure out what they're doing. (But it works!)

on 8/15/2008 I was a racer back in the 60's and our racing dives were not at all like the ones we are seeing today. These kids today looking more like they're jumping into the water rather than trying to just skim the surface like we used to do. I can't really figure out what they're doing. (But it works!)

on 8/15/2008 I was a racer back in the 60's and our racing dives were not at all like the ones we are seeing today. These kids today looking more like they're jumping into the water rather than trying to just skim the surface like we used to do. I can't really figure out what they're doing. (But it works!)

on 7/27/2006 Rather than leading the dive with your head, use your arms to generate the initial forward motion. If you lead with your head (by picking it up), your hips will sink, making your knees bend too much, which will sacrifice the pushing power of your legs. Instead, grab the block firmly with both hands, elbows slightly bent, and on the start signal, flex your arms and push off the block as hard as you can with your arms and legs.

on 7/3/2006 Do not throw your head up! Even an experienced swimmer like myself will tell you! One reason is that it messes up your timing and you are more likely to belly flop into the pool.

on 2/7/2006 Most of the highly competitive swimmers nowadays use track starts - especially at the Olympics. Just be sure not to lean too far back or your reaction time will be slower and you will strain your shoulders.

on 11/22/2005 It depends what you yourself are more comfortable with; your arms or your legs. Do you think you'd have more of a push off by giving more momentum in your legs or arms? If you think you'd do better by giving more energy into your legs, then you have to prepare your arms when you reach the surface of the water. If you prefer to use your arms more prepare your feet to kick to give you a better lead.

on 11/22/2005 When you dive off the starting blocks, there are a few things to remember: Only the professionals should use track start dives. Most people without professional training can't do a track start dive correctly. If you feel that you are faster with a track start, and you feel more comfortable, you don't have a choice. Don't lean back and pull forward. Bend forward, pull your arms and kick hard with your foot. Try to go in like a 'port hole' rather than a 'hit the whole surface' dive. Also, diving puts momentum in your stroke, as soon as you breathe you kill that momentum. So it's especially important that you hold your breath for as long as possible after a dive.

on 11/22/2005 I personally prefer the track start over the both feet forward start. To make your start faster, lean forward. Many people try to lean back and pull themselves forward with their arms. However, tapes of those who do so show that they are still about .1 seconds slower. Any experienced swimmer will tell you that .1 seconds is a lot of time, even in distance events. A track start generally means you are faster off the blocks, but you don't always get as much distance on the start.

Ways to correct this:
1. Build up the strength of your legs.
2. Lift your head and look at the opposite wall, then put your head back down between your arms.

If in a freestyle event, take two dolphin kicks. Trust me, it's legal (at least under national federation rules). Kick furiously to bring yourself to the surface and too the wall. Remember, the 50 is a race to the first wall. Don't breathe too much. You shouldn't breathe too much in other sprint events either.

on 11/22/2005 If you have done the "above water" part of the dive correctly, you will enter the water with minimal splash. You will be entering the water at a relatively steep angle. To transfer any downwards momentum you have to forward momentum, you should aim to flatten your direction immediately upon entering the water. Achieve this with your straight arms and an arched back, not by lifting your head.

on 11/22/2005 Touch and track starts can both be equally effective. With a track start, you use your arms more to pull yourself off the block. With a touch start, you only use your legs. If you are doing a touch start, throw your chest up and then look down...If you do this correctly, you will pike and get a lot more distance.

on 11/22/2005 You can get more air and therefore jump further if you throw you head up just as you jump off and hold it there till you start to go down. Remember to tuck your head back down BEFORE you hit the water.

on 11/22/2005 Use a track start to go faster. Picture yourself as a straight unbendable object, like a torpedo or a 2x4.