Hand spotting is a technique used to help divers learn basic somersaulting skills.  It involves coaches manipulating the athlete in the air with his or her hands. The primary goal of hand spotting is diver safety. By hand spotting, the coach can help the diver complete the somersault while at the same time lessen the impact of landing.

Only LA Dive Club Coaching staff members that are trained in hand spotting techniques are allowed to hand spot.  LA Dive Club Coaching staff use landmarks on the body around the hips, shoulders, and legs to spot. Inadvertently, a spotter will sometimes miss a landmark.  

As a member of the LA Dive Club, it is your choice whether we hand spot your child.  If you or your child is not comfortable being hand spotted, we recommend that you tell us and we will use alternative training methods.  No diver will lose opportunity or status based on the decision to be hand spotted; however, it does make it difficult to teach certain skills when hand spotting is not allowed.
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During registration we ask that parents discuss the hand spotting technique with their child and ask that they acknowledge whether or not they will allow their child to be hand spotted.

Hand Spotting - Examples

Coach Davidson - Hand Spotting Reverse Somersaults