high school tryouts

Question
I'm going to be trying out for my school's swimming and diving team. This will be my first year diving. What are some things that coaches might make you do at tryouts and what are they looking for? Would they take me even though I'm not that experienced?

Answer
Megan -

I will only address the diving part of your question since I cannot answer a question about swimming tryouts.

The coaches will probably look for your ability to be able to go forward head first, backward headfirst, the ability to somersault in some direction (forwards or backwards) and the ability to change direction (jump backwards and then rotate forward which is the inward dive). The ability to twist is also something they may look for.

Besides that, your willingness to do new things will also be important. Diving takes courage so they will be looking for that too.

Since you are not that experienced, ask them if they have a junior varsity team. Many swim/dive teams have one for new students. I would ask to start there since the level of competition is easier and there are fewer dives you have to know than varsity.

Good luck with your pursuit of this great sport and make sure you watch all the Olympic diving events starting on Sunday.

Go to the following websites for more info on diving:

www.usadiving.org -Click on "Store" and then click on Educational
www.usadiver.com - Articles about diving
www.flipnrip.com - website for divers and parents
www.divemeets.com - Lists results of all kinds of meets
www.aausports.com - National Governing Body

Tom Trapp