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Quiz the Coach - I Can't Dive or Somersault!

Reviewed by on May 03, 2007
Rating: 1 Star Rating

Kidzworlds got some free sports and fitness advice on water sports such as swimming and diving.

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or hockey? Got a gripe about P.E. class, skateboarders, cheerleading, coaches, or anything? Why not ?

1Hey Coach,
I've started to swim a lot but I can't dive or somersault! I tried to dive once and it was a disaster! I got really scared and I swallowed a lot of water! Whenever I somersault I get dizzy! Help!
Zain_cinnagirl3000

Hey Zain_cinnagirl3000,
The first thing you have to do is stop saying the word "can't" - because you can! Nobody becomes good at anything by trying just once. To be good at something, you have to practice over and over again. But I give you a lot of props for conquering your fear and attempting to dive. I bet if you asked Michael Phelps, he'd tell you his first dive wasn't exactly Olympic worthy either. The more you try it, the more comfortable and confident you will be.

If it helps, try kneeling dives first. Check out these steps on mastering the dive.

  • #1. Kneel on one knee on the edge of the pool and point your arms straight over your head.
  • #2. Put your head down until your chin is touching your chest. Lean forward with your waist until your fingertips are touching the water.
  • #3. Continue to lean until you are almost falling, then push off with your legs and gently follow your fingertips into the water.
  • Once you master diving, other tricks, such as somersaults off the edge, will come easier. Of course you have to be very careful when you attempt such stunts, because they're dangerous and you can get seriously hurt! But keep practicing and try taking lessons. Before you know it, diving will be a piece of cake!

    Do you need tips or advice on sports, fitness or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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