Roll into the Water
The child performs a forward roll into the water from the pool edge. It is important to position the toes flush with the edge of the pool at the start of the exercise. Throughout the forward roll, the tucked position must remain closed, with the chin pressed firmly against the chest. This exercise serves as preparation for the head-first dive.
Preparatory exercises
Roll in the Water
In at least chest-deep water, your child gathers momentum with the upper body, jumps forward with a rounded back and rolls up in the water; the arms may help. Once the forward roll works, try two in a row or a backward roll. Momentum and a tucked body position are key. A good preparation for the head-first dive — easier and requiring less courage.
Roll in the water
In at least chest-deep water, the child builds momentum with the upper body and jumps forward from the pool floor with the body tucked into a ball; the arms can assist. Once a forward roll succeeds, try two in a row or a backward roll. Momentum and a tightly tucked body — both key for the core exercise — are trained here, with far less courage required than the actual dive.
Roll over mat
Start with a somersault on the knees on land, then on a mat placed in the water — first from the knees, then from the feet. Next, use the mat as a soft platform at the pool's edge and roll directly into the water; finally remove the mat. In a dive the feet must pass over the body, like a forward roll with less rotation and extended arms — mastering the roll is essential for learning to dive.
Common mistakes
Opened too early
Many children feel uncomfortable with their feet above their body and open up the roll too early, either reverting to the starting position or landing flat on their stomach. To avoid this, introduce the exercise gradually, starting with somersaults.
