Clearing My Head

Question
Hey my name is Derek, I am a junior in High School, and I have been a diver for about four years. Lately I have been having trouble with balking while learning a reverse two and a half on one meter because i have been over thinking the dive. But when i just get on the board and want to go, it feels as though i haven't readied myself enough for the dive can you help?

Answer
Derek -

If there is one group of dives where balking happens the most it is this one. Every diver goes though a stage with a reverse optional and can't get themselves to stop balking. There are somethings I can suggest that I tell my divers to do when this happens:

1. Go back and work on your lead-ups for the dive you are balking on.In this case you need to do reverse 1 & 1/2's tuck to practice coming out of the spin the right way. You should also do a lot of reverse doubles to work on the right start. If you can do these without balking, then try a few reverse 2 & 1/2's.If you still balk, move on to another dive and come back to the gainer later.

2. On the mental side, you have to learn to shut off the internal self talking you are doing before the dive. "Over analysis leads to paralysis"!! If you turn a certain part of your brain off and let your body do the dive then it can help you stop balking. A diver I know uses the term "Stupid Smarts" - Brain off, Body on Auto Pilot.

3. You also need to do some positive mental imagery of the dive. You have to be able to do this dive in your head better so you can have a positive outlook on the dive. You have to focus on what to do right instead of what not to do wrong. Think of all the good things that are going to happen in the dive as opposed to the negative ones.Give yourself only a few positive things to think about before you do the dive. Make sure you avoid the "Don't" or "Can't" word in your head.

You have chosen an optional that is one of the most difficult ones on the low board. If you are not scoring on the dive, you may want to consider reducing your list and doing a reverse 1 & 1/2 pike instead. You may score more total points by changing to a lower D.D.

Here are some diving websites to go to for more info:

www.usadiving.org - Click on Store and then Educational Materials. There are books, dvd's and cd roms that may help you get over your problem dives.There is one item specifically about reverse group dives.

www.springboardsandmore.com - Look for a book by Hobie Billingsley.

www.diving.about.com - Site to obtain more info on diving.

www.usadiver.com - Articles about diving.

Good luck with your pursuit of this sport.