1938-39

512 SWIMMING
Other differences are that on the old type of board, with a quick
reaction, it was possible to use the same take off as from a firm
board, viz., an upward swing of the arms simultaneously with a
quick straightening of the knees and ankles. On the modern board
the whole force of the movement must be downwards to depress
the board to the maximum extent. The diver, instead of consciously
concentrating on the effort to get up, must so co-ordinate his move-
ments as to .make the recoil of the board project him upwards. In
comparison with the old type of board, the modern spring board
has a slower and a more powerful recoil. If the diver is to maintain
control, his body must be vertical not only as he forces the board
down, but also as the board recoils. This in the case of a standing
dive means that the diver must not lean forward at all until he is
actually leaving the board for the dive. In the case of the running
dive the forward progression must be checked until the board has
recoiled. The actual take-off should be made from the end of the
board in order to obtain the maximum benefit from the spring in the
board.
Standing Dive
From the stance, raise the arms forwards and upwards to the
level of the shoulders, keeping them the width of the shoulders
apart. Rise a little on to the balls of the feet without losing balance.
Simultaneously raise the arms a little in order to relieve momentarily
the board of part of the weight of the body. Then swing the arms
downwards, at the same time descend on to the heels, and relax the
muscles to allow the weight of the body to depress the board. Care
should be taken not to bend at the waist or the hips. Continue the
swing of the arms downwards and outwards so that the hands pass
in front of the thighs at the moment when -the board is fully
depressed. Continue the swing of the arms in a circular motion
outwards and upwards to a position above the level and slightly in
front of the shoulders, keeping the muscles relaxed and rising on to
the balls of the feet so that the feet do not lose contact with the
board.
All the foregoing movements are performed to start the " swing "
of the board, and it is essential that the body be kept absolutely
vertical during these movements. From this position swing the
arms slightly backwards and downwards, descending on to the heels
and keeping the muscles relaxed, but this time using the full weight
of the body and the arm swing to depress the board. Continue the
swing on the arms forwards and upwards so that the hands pass in
front of the thighs at the moment when the board is fully depressed.
At this point the body, which hitherto has been kept absolutely
vertical, should commence to lean very slightly forward without
bending at the hips. Continue the arm swing forwards and
upwards, at the same time tightening all the muscles and using the
ankles to assist the spring as the board recoils. The feet should leave
the board as the hands are passing in front of the face, the swing of
the arms into the required position being completed after the body
is
in the air.