Description
A successful dive from a competitive diving block (into deep water)and start to swim a technically correct stroke.
This award can be issued for any of the 4 main strokes. The swimmer must perform, in confidence, either a track start or grab start dive and/or a correct backstroke start off the block base.
The swimmer must show being balanced on the block/wall whilst they await the starting signal, streamlined entry and correct underwater technique for the stroke they are continuing in.
As this award is starting to prepare the swimmer for competitive swimming we suggest they follow the correct distances to travel underwater for each stroke.
Lesson ideas
A swimmer must be aware of the dangers associated with diving off blocks and already competent in a standing dive from the poolside. If the blocks are slippy take a towel to dry between goes. This is a perfect skill to end the lesson on, swimmers can be sent off from the blocks in waves and exit the pool safely after a given distance.
One way you can gain distance and momentum from the block is for the swimmers to practice jumping off it as far as they can. Entering with their feet first and in an upright position. Encouraging the swimmers to use their arms to swing forward to aid a forward propulsion. This will help the swimmer drive off the block and forward and not up.
Backstroke, swimmers can be encouraged to see if they can see the other side of the pool and not look at the ceiling in their take off. To help a swimmer focus on this element you can try a swimmer holding on to the pool rails for the steps, feet on a step (if safe to do so and again in deep water) so they can practice driving off using their feet, propelling out into the pool rather than up.
Power-kicks are an important skill to practice and the transition from these into the given stroke. Breakout with arms can also be practiced as well as aquatic breathing
This award is for deep water dives only, following your own risk assessments and also the pool guidelines.
