Jump, Shape, Straighten
The teacher calls a shape as the swimmer stands ready – star, tuck or pike – and the swimmer must show it and be straight before entering.
- Stages
- Diving – Stage 9, Diving – Stage 10
- Difficulty
- Developing
- Skills
- Jump Entry, Body Control
- Equipment
- None
- Age
- 8–99 years
- Group size
- 2–14 swimmers
- Time
- About 6 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 2, Game / Consolidation
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Feet-first only into deep enough water; clear area; one at a time.
What it develops
- Pike and turning jumps with control
- Jumps with clear shapes and turns
How to run it
- Swimmer stands ready at the edge after the clear water check.
- Teacher calls 'star', 'tuck' or 'pike' just before the go signal.
- Swimmer jumps, shows the shape, and straightens before entry.
- Partners score: 1 point for the right shape, 1 point for a straight entry.
Teaching cues
- Listen, then go on the signal.
- Clear shape.
- Straight entry every time.
Make it easier
- Choose from two shapes only.
Make it harder
- The call comes later, just before the go signal.
- Add quarter turns to the list of calls.
Common faults
- Wrong shape under pressure.
- Not straightening in time.
Corrections
- 'Picture it before you jump.'
- 'Straight is the most important point.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Score the straight entry for each swimmer while the teacher scores the shape.