Teaching the Forward Start

This week we continue our series on how to teach the things that are the most difficult to teach – yet are the most basic skills a swimmer needs.  As every age-group (and masters) coach knows, one of the biggest challenges is teaching kids how to start from the blocks and to do relay starts without getting DQ’d.  This week we tackle the basics of learning to dive.

**Monday**

**Drill – Deep Pool Vertical Entry**

If you've got a big group of kids who need to learn forward-start basics, start 'em here. Fun, safe drill teaches how to have a rigid bodyline and a clean entry.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1609-starts-deep-pool-vertical-entry>

0479 jump in the pool

1549 no instructions except keep the hands by the side

2695 start to focus on straight body line no bend

3315 start to focus on pointed toes

3579 pointed toes with a straight body line

4937 Watch for the forward splash

5810 pointed toes straight body line

10588 move to streamline position

11867 straight body pointed toes streamline

12440 flat feet versus pointed feet

15161 smallest splash possible

**Tuesday**

**Steve Haufler – Streamline Jumps**

Steve Haufler starts teaching the forward start on land, with streamline jumps.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2109-streamline-jumps>

0533 just jump

1552 the natural connection of swinging arms and shifting momentum

1582 connecting the pieces together

1926 into a streamline position with pointed toes

2322 do the best possible for the athlete

2537 slight head tuck to make sure the streamline is together

2733 the trophy start

**Wednesday**

**Cullen Jones (4-Step Dive Progression)**

When Olympic gold medallist Cullen Jones teaches kids how to dive, he uses this four-step process.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/929-forward-start-4-step-learning-progression>

1278 seated fall

3231 kneeling

4256 hands in the water prior to leaving the dec

11438 a little bit of push

12135 a little more push

13061 crouching

13529 hands in the water before the feet leave the deck

15744 a little bit of push

20415 a little more push

21045 a little more push

23213 foot placement

24585 crouching

24848 hands nearly in the water feet still on the block

25955 slight push

30808 slight jump

32013 a bit more jump

**Thursday**

**Drill – St. Andrews Starts**

We love this progression for teaching the forward start and for teaching kids how to pierce the water on their entry. The flat-back dive really works!

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2050-starts-st-andrews-starts>

0667 connecting Steve with Cullen

1933 jump

2775 posture

3370 toes

4001 momentum from the arms

4954 take it to the blocks

**Friday**

**Steve Haufler – Side Fall Over Noodle**

When teaching young swimmers to dive, you need a huge tool kit. Here's one trick from teaching guru Steve Haufler.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2121-side-fall-over-noodle-streamline-dive>

0451 Crouch on deck

0548 with a noodle target

0613 make it over the noodle

0876 Crouch on deck

1726 pointed toes

**Saturday**

**Drill – Dive and Glide**

What kind of line do you carry into the water from your start? Here's how to improve.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1907-all-strokes-dive-and-glide>

1225 start to glide

1555 patience

2095 bodyline control

4639 bodyline control

10245 patience

11279 keep the toes pointed and body dynamics

13157 continue to play

**Sunday**

**Drill – Relay Starts – Teamwork**

One of the best ways to add FUN to your program is RELAYS! Relays also provide incentive for swimmers to learn how to dive, and how to dive well.

<https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1982-relay-starts-team-work-with-york-ymca>

0703 timing the swing

1001 hand touch then foot leave

1393 vary the athletes to build more awareness

1633 Male swimmer female starter

1894 Target the head not the arms

2932 where is the head in relation to the wall when the swing starts

3652 the importance of practicing the finish

4560 understand the perspective of the athlete

5460 the stroke will help determine how close the swimmer is when the swing starts

01274 red suit on backstroke finish


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Jan. 28, 2025 - Teaching the Forward Start