Many times the difference between 1st and 8th, or the difference between making prelims and finals, can be measured in tenths of a point. "If I had just done a better job of pointing my toes, or if I hadn't broken form on a reverse 1 1/2,"  - do those sentiments sound familiar?

Here are a few tips that might help every diver gain that 1/2 point and make finals, instead of heading for the nearest fast food restaurant and wondering, "What If?" 

• Ten Tips that Will Get You that Extra ½ Point Each Dive

Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Have you ever been to diving meet and seen 3 kids on one board, and 30 on the other? Despite the fact that all competitive diving boards are made from the same type of aluminum, some seem to loose their bounce faster than others. Why that is and what can you do to prevent one board from loosing its "stuff" before another?

• How Long Will My Board Last?

Are you making the transition from gymnastics to diving? Here is a drill that will help teach even the most impatient gymnast turned diver, to wait on the board - The Hop Drill.

Gymnasts are quick. They always want to get their arms above their head like they are performing a floor exercise. Problem is, that never works in diving because unlike a gym floor, a diving board moves and the armswing needs to be timed in rhythm with board. This little drill will help a diver be patient with their armswing and learn to use the arms in conjunction with the springboard.

Every coach has his own philosophy, one that fits with their unique personality. Since it is difficult to travel the country to train with every successful coach, here is the next best thing - a series of tips that will be brought to you! The first installment:

•  Woody's Five Tips for the Beginner Diver