DIVE]

A racing dive is a very shallow dive. The quicker the swimmer gets to
the surface the less time is wasted in getting into his stroke. Both
these things are very important and should be well practised. When
training in a tank, the racer should never go the full distance, but
reserve his speed for the day of the race. In a tank it is a good plan
to count the number of strokes required to do the length, so that you
know just when the end of the bath is reached without turning the head.
A straight course is always advisable. This can be kept by swimming
parallel with the side of the bath. It is good practise to get a friend
to time your lengths, and get used to diving at the word "go." The best
position for a racing dive is with the hands in front of the body, the
knees bent, and the mouth open, so that you get all the air possible
before striking the water. Always spring out as far as you can. Never
mind if it is a flat dive. This is much better than a deep, clean dive,
and less time is lost.

SWIMMING LIKE A DOG

Children generally manage to swim like a dog in their initial attempts.
This is a very easy and simple method of propulsion, mainly for the
reason that the arms and legs are never lifted above water.

[Illustration: SWIMMING LIKE A DOG]

Legs are kicked out straight to the rear, sole of each foot striking the
water squarely and alternately, instead of working together. Hands are
placed in front of the body, with palms down, and are successively
brought down under the body and up again.

PLUNGING

To become a good plunger the swimmer, first of all, has to have good
lungs. He must be able to hold his breath for at least one minute under
water. Ability to float face down, as in the dead man's float, is also
essential. Many would-be plungers find that their feet sink after having
gone about 25 feet, the reason being lack of practise in floating.

When practising for plunging the take-off should be about three feet
above the water. The thumbs should be locked, the knees slightly bent,
and the edge of the diving-board gript well with the toes. Empty the
lungs by exhaling, then fill again with a long, deep breath, and at the
last inhalation spring forward, with all the force possible, taking care
not to go deep in the water; about two feet down is sufficient. Keep the
head well down and the toes pointing up. The back should be arched and
the legs bent up from the knees; this will counteract the tend