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Lesson 5 - Diving Technique and Streamlining

Training Science & Competition Skills

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Year 8

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Swimming

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Big Question

How can mastering the perfect diving entry position give you a competitive advantage in swimming?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate safe diving technique from poolside using correct body position
Execute streamline position underwater to maximise glide efficiency
Apply progressive diving skills from sitting through to standing dive entries

Key Outcomes

Students will safely perform diving starts with controlled entry
Students will maintain streamline position for extended underwater glides
Students will understand and apply diving safety protocols consistently

Equipment & Resources Required

Swimming Pool

1 (minimum 1.5m depth in diving area)

Ensure diving area is clearly marked and deep enough for safe diving practice

Alternative: N/A - essential requirement

Foam Noodles

15 (1 per 2 students)

Available poolside for students requiring buoyancy support during streamline practice

Alternative: Kickboards for floating support

Arm Discs

Placed at various depths for streamline glide target practice

Alternative: Any sinkable pool toys for underwater retrieval

PE Equipment

As per facility requirements

Rescue pole, first aid kit, emergency stop equipment readily accessible

Alternative: N/A

Whiteboards

Positioned poolside to show diving sequence diagrams

Alternative: Poolside visual aids or laminated instruction cards

Key Vocabulary

Diving

Entering the water head-first from a standing, crouching, or sitting position

Streamline

A body position where arms are extended overhead, hands locked, body straight and toes pointed to reduce water resistance

Glide

Moving through water using momentum from the dive without active swimming movements

Entry angle

The angle at which the body enters the water, ideally between 30-45 degrees for safe shallow diving

Toes over edge

Starting position with toes gripping the pool edge, feet shoulder-width apart

Pike position

Bending at the hips with straight legs and reaching hands toward the water

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Confident swimming in deep water without support
Ability to submerge fully and control breathing underwater
Understanding of basic pool safety rules
Experience with floating and gliding in prone position

Current Skills

Safe diving technique from poolside at various heights
Streamline body position for efficient underwater movement
Progressive diving starts from sitting to standing position
Risk assessment and safety awareness for diving activities

Next Steps

Racing dive starts from blocks
Advanced streamlining with dolphin kicks
Competitive swimming starts and turns
Deep water diving and underwater swimming

Milestone Indicators

Consistently enters water hands-first with locked arms

Maintains streamline position without body wobble or leg separation

Demonstrates smooth transition from dive entry to swimming motion

Shows confidence progressing through diving positions independently

Key Teaching Points

Safety is non-negotiable: only dive in designated deep areas where depth is known and confirmed
Streamline position is the foundation of all diving: arms locked overhead squeezing ears, hands clasped, body tight
Entry angle matters: aim for 35-45 degrees - not too flat (belly flop) or too steep (going too deep)
Hands always enter water first to protect head and neck during entry
The five-step sequence creates consistency: toes over edge, pike with streamline, fall down, glide, surface
Progressive development is key: master sitting position before crouching, crouching before standing
Glide distance directly reflects streamline quality: tighter streamline equals longer, faster glides

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Diving means jumping high and far' - Correction: Diving for swimming is a controlled forward and downward fall, not an upward jump. We want smooth water entry, not distance or height.
Misconception: 'Streamline is just putting your arms up' - Correction: True streamline requires locked elbows, clasped hands, arms squeezing ears, engaged core, and pointed toes. Every detail matters for reducing drag.
Misconception: 'It's safe to dive anywhere as long as the water looks deep' - Correction: Never assume depth. Only dive in designated areas where you have confirmed the depth is adequate (minimum 1.5m for these diving techniques).
Misconception: 'Going faster means better diving' - Correction: Control and technique are more important than speed. A slower, controlled dive with perfect streamline is far better than a fast, sloppy entry.
Misconception: 'If I can do a standing dive once, I've mastered it' - Correction: Consistency is mastery. You should be able to perform the technique correctly 9 out of 10 times before moving to more advanced skills.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break instructions into very short, single-step chunks; provide frequent activity changes within skill progressions; use high-energy relay format for engagement; give clear, immediate feedback; allow movement and activity while waiting for turn; use visual timers for activity durations

dyspraxia

Extended practice time at each progressive level before advancing; break down streamline position into individual body parts (first arms, then add legs, then add core); use mirrors or video feedback to develop body awareness; larger targets for diving rings; additional demonstrations and modelling; celebrate effort and persistence over perfect technique

autism spectrum

Provide visual schedule showing lesson sequence; allow preview of diving area and equipment before lesson; offer quiet observation time before participation; use consistent, predictable language and routines; provide sensory breaks if overwhelmed by pool environment; allow extra processing time for instructions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured diving rings for high contrast; provide detailed verbal descriptions of body positions; allow tactile demonstration by feeling teacher's streamline position; use buddy system with sighted partner; ensure extra guidance for spatial awareness in pool environment

hearing impairment

Demonstrate all techniques visually with exaggerated movements; use clear hand signals for start/stop/clear area; provide written or visual cards with diving sequence steps; position for clear lip-reading visibility; use vibrating or visual alert system instead of whistles

physical disability

Adapt diving entry to seated or supported position based on mobility; allow use of flotation devices for security; modify streamline position to accommodate limited range of motion; permit assisted entries with support staff; focus on achievable elements of technique with celebration of all attempts

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles: measuring and estimating entry angles (30-45 degrees); distance: measuring glide distances in metres; time: calculating duration of breath holds and activity timings; geometry: understanding body shapes and positions (streamline as cylinder)

Science

Forces and motion: understanding gravity's role in diving entry; water resistance and drag reduction through streamlining; principles of buoyancy and flotation; body systems: cardiovascular response to exercise, respiratory control during breath-holding

Physics

Hydrodynamics: how body shape affects water resistance; momentum and its conservation from dive through glide; energy transfer from potential (height on poolside) to kinetic (movement through water)

PSHE

Risk assessment and personal safety decision-making; building self-confidence and self-esteem through progressive achievement; resilience when facing challenging new skills; teamwork and supporting others during relay activities; managing competitive emotions appropriately

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

In water during diving practice for immediate assistance; on pool deck during demonstrations for visibility; circulating during practice to provide individual feedback; positioned at corner during relays to observe multiple lanes

Observation Focus

Priority one: safety consciousness and appropriate risk assessment by students; Priority two: streamline position quality (arms, hands, body alignment); Priority three: entry angle control; Priority four: glide distance and efficiency; Priority five: confidence levels and emotional response to challenges

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: unsafe diving behaviour observed, student attempting level beyond current ability without proper progression, signs of panic or distress in water, technique deterioration suggesting fatigue, competitive behaviour compromising safety, any head/neck impact or injury

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate from multiple angles (front, side, back) so all students can see; perform in slow motion first, then full speed; show common errors contrasted with correct technique; use students who demonstrate well as additional models; ensure demonstrations are visible to entire group before starting

Verbal Cues

•'Squeeze those ears!' - for tight arm position in streamline
•'Fall like a tree!' - for controlled forward entry not jumping
•'Hands lead the way!' - for hands-first entry protection
•'Arrow through the water!' - for tight streamline glide
•'Reach for the entry point!' - for appropriate entry angle
•'Clear area check!' - before every dive
•'Pike position!' - for hip hinge in diving preparation

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Swimming pool with designated diving area minimum 1.5m depth, clearly marked boundaries, adequate pool deck space for instruction

Surface Check

Pool edge non-slip and clear of hazards, water clarity sufficient for visibility to pool bottom, appropriate temperature for extended water time

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Diving rings and pool noodles inspected for damage or sharp edges
•All equipment stored safely when not in use to prevent trip hazards
•Rescue equipment (pole, ring buoy) accessible and in good condition
•First aid kit readily available poolside

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Head or neck injury from improper diving technique or insufficient depth
•Collisions between swimmers in diving area
•Exhaustion or over-exertion leading to difficulty swimming
•Slips and falls on wet pool deck
•Drowning risk if students exceed their competence level

Risk Mitigation

•Strict one-at-a-time diving with teacher signal system
•Clear area checks before every dive entry
•Progressive skill development from sitting to standing positions
•Continuous monitoring of student fatigue and confidence levels
•Depth markers clearly visible and regularly referenced
•Mandatory safety briefing at lesson start with comprehension checks
•Appropriate differentiation allowing students to work at safe level
•Teacher positioned in water for immediate assistance capability

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned for clear sightlines to all diving participants
•Regular headcounts to ensure all students accounted for
•Identify and monitor less confident swimmers more closely
•Position allows immediate water entry for rescue if needed
•Assistant or lifeguard support if available for enhanced supervision

Emergency Procedures

On any injury: stop all activity immediately, assess situation, remove student from water if safe to do so, administer first aid as appropriate, contact emergency services if serious injury, complete accident report, notify parents/guardians. For diving-specific injuries (especially head/neck): keep student still, do not move unless in immediate danger, call emergency services immediately, support head and neck if rescue needed.