What Are the Kinds of Dives You Do in Competition?

A diving platform is 10 meters high, meaning you have time to build a speed of 30 mph before you hit the water. No matter what kind of dive you perform, you must always enter the water with your body vertically straight, with the smallest possible splash. Between jumping and entering the water, you must put on an intricate and accurate show of somersaults and twists to impress the judges.

  1. Springboard and Platform

    • Divers can take off from the 10 meter high platform or the 3 meter high springboard. Divers using the springboard will only choose dives from the inward, reverse, twisting, forward and backward dive groups. Those using the 10 meter high board have more time to execute a variety of body positions during the dive and can start from an arm stand position.

    Synchronized Diving

    • In addition to the 10 meter and 3 meter individual dives, there is also the synchronized diving competition. Two separate 3 meter springboards are set up side by side or two divers dive from the 10 meter platform together. The divers dive together and synchronize factors, such as positioning, speed of rotation, angles and plunge. Marks are given according to the synchronicity of dives.

    Body Position

    • There are four body positions divers use after leaving the platform. The diver can assume the straight position, where the body is completely straight, with feet together and toes pointed. The arms can either be straight above the head or straight down the sides of the body. Divers can assume the pike body position, where the hips are bent and the legs stay straight. The arms are held out straight either side or held under the calves. The feet are together with toes pointed. The diver can assume the tuck body position, where hips are bent and the knees bent and tucked under the chin. The quadriceps are against the torso. The knees and feet are held together with the toes pointed. The free body position can also be assumed, where the diver chooses a combination of the other body positions.

    Forward Dive

    • The easiest kind of dive, or group, is the forward dive. The diver starts by facing the water and spins toward the water. As with all the dive groups, twists and somersaults are made in the air before entering the water.

    Backward Dive

    • The diver starts at the end of the board or platform with her back to the water. She jumps and rotates toward the water.

    Reverse Dive

    • The diver starts by facing the water, He jumps and rotates toward the springboard or platform, before entering the water.

    Inward Dive

    • The diver starts at the end of the board or platform with her back to the water. She jumps and rotates toward the springboard or platform, before entering the water.

    Twisting Dive

    • Starting from any of the positions explained above, the dive begins with a twist. The diver can choose from reverse, inward, backward or forward twists, adding much variety to the dive format.

    Arm Stand Dive

    • The diver performs a handstand at the end of the platform, holds it for five seconds and then dives from the arm stand position.