Springboard Approach Walk
Specialist facility only: practise a calm, controlled walk to the end of the board and a balanced stance – first on poolside, then on the board – before any take-off.
- Stages
- Diving – Stage 10
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Skills
- Body Control, Diving Safety, Take-Off
- Equipment
- Springboard, Poolside Mat
- Age
- 9–99 years
- Group size
- 1–10 swimmers
- Time
- About 6 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Specialist facility only: designated diving pool and springboard, operator approval, and supervision by a suitably qualified diving coach/teacher.
- One person on the board at a time; water below checked clear.
What it develops
- Introduction to springboard approach and take-off
How to run it
- Only in a designated diving facility under a suitably qualified diving coach/teacher.
- On poolside, mark a line and practise walking tall with arms by the sides, stopping in a balanced stance at the 'end'.
- On the board, walk to the end and stop in a balanced stance with toes near the end – no bouncing.
- Walk back and climb down, or progress to a feet-first take-off when the coach decides.
Teaching cues
- Walk tall and slow.
- Stop balanced.
- No bouncing unless asked.
Make it easier
- Walk only part of the board, then return.
Make it harder
- Add a gentle arm swing at the end while staying balanced (coach's decision).
Common faults
- Rushing to the end.
- Looking down and leaning forward.
Corrections
- 'Eyes forward, not down.'
- 'Stop, settle, then think.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Lead the poolside walking practice on the marked line while the diving coach supervises the board.