Types of Swimming Dives

Diving is an elegant sport with a simple premise -- jump into the water from a location high above. Mastering the sport, however, is challenging, requiring coordination, strength and nerves of steel. At its most basic, a dive consists of three parts: the take-off, flight and entry into the water. Diving can be done from a springboard plank, which allows the diver to bounce and gain more air, or from a high platform, as in high diving. Whatever the type of dive, divers always aim to enter the water vertically.

  1. Straight and Narrow

    • The straight position is the most basic type of dive and is characterized by a straight body position. There is no bend in your hips or knees, though you may arch your back. You may choose where to place your arms. If entering the pool head first, your hands should be close together with your arms reaching beyond your head and in line with your body. When entering feet first, your arms should be straight alongside your body.

    Having a Ball

    • Divers who engage the tuck position when diving resemble a ball, as their aim is to bend their knees and keep their legs as close to their bodies as possible. Hold onto the middle part of your shins, keeping your legs together and pointing your toes. You may face forwards or backwards before taking off the platform and doing this position. The tuck position allows you to do one or more somersaults while in flight.

    Pretty in Pike Position

    • The pike position requires you to be quite flexible as you straighten your knees and bend at the waist so that there is no space between your upper body and your legs. During an open pike position, your arms extend out from your body. In a closed pike position, your arms wrap around your legs. You may also reach out and touch your feet. Your legs should be long and straight and your toes pointed.

    Versatility and Variety

    • During twisting dives, divers twist their bodies in order to incorporate at least two out of the three dive shapes. Some bold divers dive with their feet first, starting in a handstand position. These dives are always done from the edge of a platform, never from a springboard. Synchronized diving is the challenging art of two divers doing the same dive at the same time, attempting to keep their bodies in unison.