Diving

Question
Hi George, my 8 year old son has just competed in his first club gala. He posted a good time winning his heats and coming first in his age category. great for his first time, his problem however is not his stroke it seems to be in his diving, all the other boys dived off blocks but he was too anxious and dived off the side. He seems to almost be making sure that his head is in the water before pushing off, you can imagine how slow off the start this makes him. Do you have any diagrams or ideas in how we can help him with his dive?
Regards
Louis

Answer
Louis- Given you son is only 8, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  The big issue seems to be fear/anxiety with diving from the blocks, some people are like this.  With time and practice he should get comfortable with the idea, don't push him.  He's obviously a strong swimmer, since he was winning his heats, so just relax, let him have fun and he will start from the blocks when he is ready.