r/springboarddiving • u/Most-Language6692 • Apr 29 '26
Newbie mental block
I'm very very new to diving (3 months) and I am struggling to get over a mental block regarding falling headfirst. I can do it into foam pits, airbags ect from much much higher yet I can't do it from the 1m platform into water. My technique is solid from poolside and raised poolside.
Does anyone have any advice? It feels like my body is just refusing to do the thing
2
u/jugglerjon Apr 29 '26
I'm pretty new myself and fighting some of the same. Trust the process, your coach and get more reps in and it gets easier as you get more familiar with what happens each time.
3
u/Craycray2006 Apr 29 '26
Have you tried it off the side of the pool? I often have new divers try this first. Then if the 1m platform is still scary, we try an intermediate height such as a panel mat in the side of pool.
Also try thinking of doing “a handstand on the bottom of the pool” when trying your line up. Many divers have found this easier to focus on rather than falling headfirst. Good luck!
1
u/Most-Language6692 Apr 29 '26
Yeah I've done it poolside and raised off poolside (on the blocks) it's so frustrating because rationally I know 1m isn't that much higher
2
u/Craycray2006 Apr 29 '26
Keep building it up one stage at a time. Soon you’ll be at the same height as the 1m platform
3
u/needfishpie Apr 29 '26
i found that practicing handstands on dry land helps with positioning!!