Slide 1

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 2

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 3

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 4

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 5

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 6

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 7

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 8

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 9

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 10

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 11

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .


Slide 12

HOW TO DO A RACING DIVE
Kate Chialastri
English 393 Section 401
May 2010

Background
• At the start of a race swimmers line up on the
blocks.
• The starter calls the swimmers to take their
marks then go.
• The start is the most crucial part of the race.

Audience
• Anyone can learn to do a racing dive.
• Swimmers work for years to perfect it.

What you will need
•
•
•
•

Have a well fitting bathing suit
The pool must be deep
Plenty of time
Goggles are not required but an added bonus

Swimmers Step Up
• Rise to the blocks.
• Place toes of one foot on the
edge of the block.
• Place the other foot
shoulder width apart and
one foot behind the front
foot.
• Bend at the waist and at the
knees and relax.

Take Your Marks
• Grab the tip of the block
with both hands
• Lean forward on the block
tensing every muscle as
you do so
• Hold and wait for the
signal to go

Go
• Push off with legs while releasing the hands grip
on the block

Go

• Continue pushing forward until feet are
completely off block
• Thrust arms into streamlined position (two
hands on top of each other while arms squeezing
ears tightly)

Entering The Pool
• Fingers enter
the water
first feet
enter last.

Fully Submerged
• Hold the
streamlined
position and
kick
underwater
until you are
close to the
surface

Conclusion
• After mastering the racing dive anyone can get a
head start on their competition.

Works Cited
• "Breaststroke - Underwater Pull, Power Phase." GoSwim! Web. 06 May 2010. www.goswim.tv/entries/5509/breaststroke---underwater-pull-powerphase.html>.
• DeCamp, Scott. "MLive.com." Michigan Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather MLive.com. Web. 06 May 2010. 2008/03/02-week/>.
• "Diving Board Images and Stock Photos. 774 Diving Board Photography and Royalty Free
Pictures Available to Download from over 100 Stock Photo Companies." Stock
Photography - Search 6.6 Million Stock Photos, Stock Footage Video Clips, Royalty
Free Images, and Illustrations. Web. 06 May 2010. photos-images/diving-board.html>.
• Getty Images. Web. 06 May 2010. 200364345-001/Digital-Vision>.
• "Olympics Beijing 2008: Men and Women's Swimming | Sport | Guardian.co.uk." Latest
News, Comment and Reviews from the Guardian | Guardian.co.uk. Web. 06 May
2010. olympics2008.swimming?picture=336381859>.
• St Cuthbert's College: Leading Independent Girls School in Auckland, New Zealand. Web.
06 May 2010. .