Long Distance Plunge - body, water and head

LONG DISTANCE PLUNGE.

There

are four main points to be considered in plunging. The correct take-off, which should be from a solid foundation, not a spring-board ; the angle of the body, when entering the water, de pends on the depth of the bath, but in open water plunging the angle is not quite so great, as it is safer to keep near the surface of the water. The body should be kept fairly relaxed, with the arms extended to their full reach, the hands being turned palms downwards, thumbs locked. The body is immediately straightened on entering the water. The incline of the head and arms governs the position of the body under water. The swim mer should take three or four long deep breaths, with the lungs filled to their normal capacity, that is, not to over-straining point. All the force sible should be given to the body at the time of the spring forward; a great deal depends on this, as no motion can be imparted to the body once it has left the platform.

It is a very interesting competition when there are a number of good swimmers taking part, and It requires constant practice to cover the average distance, which is between forty and fifty feet.

A great deal depends on the angle taken, but at no time should the body be more than two or three feet below the surface of the water. On the body rising to the surface of the dive, care should be taken to see that the head and arms are in line with the water, exposing them as little as possible, otherwise the impetus imparted to the body by the dive will be greatly lessened, which will curtail the distance of the plunge. The plunge finishes at the spot where the plunger lifts his mouth from the water to breathe.

The feet foremost plunge is also very interest ing, but very little practiced, it being considered more in the form of a trick. It is difficult to make a neat one and requires considerable practice to do it neatly. The swimmer leaps forward as far as possible, strightening the arms out beyond the head, with the legs stretched and stiffened to their fullest extent. Care should be taken to gauge the distance froth the side in order to avoid striking the head on the side.