Efficiency of training in Olympic diving and motor asymmetry

Aim. The article deals with developing and assessing the method of training in Olympic diving for young athletes, based on the peculiarities of motor asymmetry. Materials and methods. Two groups of young divers participated in the study: the control and experimental groups. Using tensiometry, we assessed the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of upper and lower limbs during jump. Results. We developed a method, based on the integration of various training exercises, aimed at decreasing asymmetry. Exercises for general preparedness were mostly aimed at a subdominant limb. During the next stage, we used choreographic exercises and exercises for special preparedness with a symmetrical structure of performance to cope with the asymmetry of precise movements during take-off. The final stage consisted of basic jumps on floor mats, trampoline and from the springboard, which improved the quality and pace of acquiring diving techniques. During the training based on the method proposed young divers should memorize and reproduce movements, paying attention to their symmetry, in particular, to the symmetry of movements during take-off. The pedagogical experiment proved the decrease of asymmetry in general and during take-off in particular. Conclusion. The results obtained demonstrate a positive influence of this innovative method on the training of young divers. We registered the decrease of time for acquiring skills and the increase of the overall quality of jump performance.