Game version
Approach rhythm: a partner claps the steps while you walk through your approach on the deck, then swap. Your coach watches.
Find Your Start Spot
With your coach, find where your approach should start so your hurdle lands at the end of the board each time.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Your coach watches you walk your approach toward the end of the board.
Core: Your usual approach rhythm. Beat your own steadiest rhythm.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Dry board or springboard, tape
- Level · skill
- Developing · Approach & Start
The steps
How it works
- Your coach watches you walk your approach toward the end of the board.
- Note where your hurdle foot lands.
- Move your start spot forward or back by small amounts.
- Mark the spot and repeat it 6 times to check it stays the same.
Coaching point
Same start, same steps, same end.
Safety: Only on a dry board into a soft landing mat or pit with a diving coach watching.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (walk), Core (your usual approach rhythm), More (add the hurdle with your coach watching). Beat your own steadiest rhythm.
Story
You are a drumbeat walking to the end of the board.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own steadiest rhythm. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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