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About Diving
Introduction
The sport of diving consists of a diver jumping from a springboard or platform and performing acrobatic manoeuvres before plunging into water. The depth of the water in modern diving pools varies between 3 and 6 metres.
Springboards
Springboards are set at heights of 1 metre or 3 metres above the water surface. They are 5 metres in length and are usually made from aluminium. There is an adjustable fulcrum which allows the diver to control the amount of spring in the board.
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Platforms
Platforms, or highboards, are set at 5 metres, 7.5 or 10 metres above the water. They are usually made of concrete or steel, covered with a non-slip surface. They are at least 6 metres long and 2 metres wide.
Groups
Dives are divided into 6 groups:
| Forward | The diver faces forwards and rotates forwards |
| Backward | The diver faces backwards and rotates backwards |
| Reverse | The diver faces forwards and rotates backwards |
| Inward | The diver faces backwards and rotates forwards |
| Twisting | A twisting dive can be performed forwards, backwards, reverse or inwards, and involves a lateral (sideways) twist |
| Armstand | These dives are performed only from platforms and begin from a handstand. They can be performed forwards, backwards, or reverse, and may include twists. |
Rotation
Rotation is the forward or backward momentum of the dive. A simple dive is counted as a half-somersault. Competition divers can perform up four and a half somersaults from the 10 metre platform.
Positions
Dives may be performed in three different body positions:
| Tuck | The diver bends at the hip and knee, curling the body into a ball |
| Pike | The diver bends at the hip, keeping the legs straight |
| Straight | The diver keeps the whole body straight. |
In twisting dives, a combination of these shapes may be shown. This is designated as the 'free' position. A 'flying' dive is one where the first portion of the dive is performed in the straight position, before another shape is shown.