There are, what I consider, Five Mental Phases in learning how to dive. All five phases are dictated by the individual diver's perception of what is believable and /or achievable.

Phase 1. "I can't"!

The words I can't are directly related to the individual's self-esteem. In this phase the diver is either unsure of his/her capabilities or believes that he/she is not capable of performing certain skills and therefore is unable to make an attempt. It is the coach's responsibility to do everything possible to change this belief. This can be done with lots of praise and emphasis on the things they do well. Relating a known to an unknown experience is particularly helpful in lessening the fear factor and helps the diver move closer to the next phase.

Phase 2. "I think I can!"

This is an important phase that coaches must get their divers to in order for them to learn dives. In this phase the diver has become convinced that he/she has the necessary skills to perform the dive. The dive is actually possible for them to do. The diver can actually visualize him/herself doing the dive.

Phase 3. "I did it!"

Because the diver could see him/herself doing a particular dive, the diver finally decides to make an attempt. Usually the first attempt is successful, which is followed by a lot of joy and celebration because the once unthinkable became reality.

Phase 4. "I can do it."

This is the stage where what was accomplished is finally realized. The diver will repeatedly perform the dive. It becomes fun rather than fearful.

Phase 5. "I will do it … again/better"

This is the stage were improvement become the diver's main focus. The realization of just being able to do the dive is no longer satisfying. The improvement in the performance of the dive has become the goal.

• Most of a coach's time is spent teaching and emphasizing basic mechanics through Phases 1 and 2. Along with this is lots of encouragement and praise.
• How long it takes for the diver to move from Phase 2 to 3 will depend on the diver's perception of what is possible. Bribery and threats never seem to inspire most divers to make this attempt. Time and additional encouragement seem to be all that is necessary before the diver finally makes that decision. We should allow this additional time because we are asking the diver to go beyond his/her comfort zone when attempting anything new.
• Little teaching occurs during Phases 3 and 4 primarily because of the celebration and realization by the diver of what has been achieved. The diver seems to play with the new dive much the same as a child plays with a new toy.
• When the diver finally reaches Phase 5, not only does the coach begin teaching again but he/she may begin coaching various aspects of the dive. It should be obvious here that there is a shift back to basics and a refinement of techniques that accompanies all dives. Taking this small step backward is definitely worth the progress it brings in the diver's future performance of that dive.

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