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Lying Line-Up on a Mat

Make the long, straight entry shape lying on a mat so it becomes automatic.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Lie on your back with your hands in a flat grab above your head.

Core: A dive you know. Beat your own quietest entry.

Ages
7 and up
Time
6 min
Players
Just you
Space
Small room
Bring
Mat
Level · skill
Beginner · Entry

The steps

How it works

  1. Lie on your back with your hands in a flat grab above your head.
  2. Squeeze arms to ears, legs together, toes pointed.
  3. Look at your hands and hold for 15 seconds.
  4. Do 6 holds.

Coaching point

Long from hands to toes.

Safety: Use a mat or soft floor with space all around you. Stop if anything hurts.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Quiet-entry game: a partner watches from the side and gives a thumbs-up for a straight line and a small splash. Swap. Only dives your coach has cleared.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (feet-first from the deck), Core (a dive you know), More (the same dive from higher, with your coach’s OK). Beat your own quietest entry.

Story

You are a needle slipping into the water without a ripple.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own quietest entry. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

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