This stance is important for the kneeling dive lesson. The arm positioning will be key later for the standing dive lesson.
Check that the learner is comfortable with the stance on land first before moving to dive lessons by the water and in the water.
Promise your student that you will be on hand to guide them every step of the way and provide support when they dive into the water. If you are teaching a child, make sure you explain the water is soft, not hard, and that they will not sustain any injuries when they land in the water. Confirm the learner can swim underwater on their own. If the learner does not know how to swim or has never been underwater before, you will need to teach them these skills first before they can learn to dive.
To help the learner keep their chin tucked in, you can instruct them to look down at their belly button in the stance. As you already practiced the diving stance on land a few times, the learner should be familiar and comfortable with this position.
If you are teaching an adult, you will likely need to tread water when you position yourself in front of them, as the water will be too deep for you to stand on your own.
If the learner is nervous about leaning headfirst towards the water, you may need to practice this step with them a few times until they feel comfortable and know they are supported. Have them fall into the water as many times as it takes for them to get comfortable with putting their head in first, since this is one the biggest mistakes beginners make.
Make sure you guide the learner through the water as they dive by maintaining a grasp on their fingertips as they slide into the water.
You can also try having the learner practice a few kneeling dives without any support from you. Make sure you stand close by in the water so you can help the learner if they have any issues.
If the learner is nervous about doing a standing dive, you can demonstrate the stance for them and then have them do it on their own.
Once the learner has practiced a standing dive a few times and seems comfortable doing it, you can instruct them on a diving block or board several feet above the water. Make sure the diving block or board is placed over an area of the pool that is deep enough for the learner, as you do not want them to risk developing a head injury.
