1938-39

a
SWIMMING
5
0
'7
Descriptions of fancy dives, diagrams for the erection of diving
stages, depth diagrams, etc., are to be found in the Handbook of
the A.S.A., to be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, A.S.A.,
66, Finsbury Pavement, E.C.z, price
2s.
STANDARD PLAIN DIVES
The only Standard Plain Dives are the Swallow Dive and the
English Header. They are of the same value, but the former is
preferable, except from low boards.
The dive, for purposes of description, is divided into four parts
(i) Stance.
(a)
Take-off.
(3) Flight through the air.
(4) Entry into the water.
The approach prior to the stance should always be smart, the
body being erect and obviously under perfect control.
All movements must be smooth and rhythmic; even quick move-
ments must never be performed jerkily, but must be apparently
easy.
From Firm Boards
Standing Dive
(1) STANCE
Swallow Dive and English Header
Take up an erect position at the end of the board, with the toes
just behind the end of the board or just over and gripping the
end of the board. The military position of attention, except for the
feet, which should be together, or nearly so, is the ideal position.
Body erect, head straight, chin in, chest out, legs pressed close to-
gether, arms hanging straight and close to the sides, fingers slightly
curved. The weight of the body should be evenly distributed over
the whole of both feet.
Faults to avoid
:
Head bent forward, looking at the water.
Head strained back.
Chest thrown out too far.
Stomach thrown out.
Hands on thighs instead of at sides.
Knees bent.
Heels apart.
Arms above the head or in the Swallow position.
Moving about.
(2) TAKE OFF
The take-off must be such that the correct line of flight and angle
of entry into the water are assured. The angle made between the
vertical and the line of the whole body at the moment of leaving
the board should be as small as possible, and should never exceed
? 3o degrees from the vertical. The take-off should always be upward
1!