Diving Terminology

    Sometimes it’s really difficult to keep up with all the terminology in diving. We are here to help with our translator! Synchronised dive – Two divers of the same gender perform the same dive from the same height. Required dives – Dives of the maximum difficulty which are performed usually before the optional dives. Optional dives – Dives chosen by the diver with no maximum degree of difficulty. These are performed after the required dives. Degree of difficulty – How difficult the dive is, ranging between 1.2 to 4.2. The total score a diver receives is the degree of difficulty multiplied by the total judges score. Dive groups – There are six dive groups : forward, back, reverse, inward, twisting and armstand. Failed dive – When the diver fails to perform the dive they were supposed to do. Rip entry – Entry into the water where there is very little or no splash. Forward approach – The approach to a dive where the diver takes a few steps run up. Armstand dive – A dive which begins with a handstand at the end of the platform and are only used on platform dives. Backward dive – The diver starts by facing the back of the board or away from the water. The diver rotates backwards away from the board after takeoff. Forward dive – The diver faces forward and spins forward after takeoff. Inward dive – The diver faces the back of the board and the spins forward toward the board after takeoff. Reverse dive – The diver starts by facing forward and then rotates backwards after takeoff. Twist dive – The diver rotates around an axis. Also known as ‘twisters.’ Balk – An illegal movement in diving where the diver does a false start on a forward or backward takeoff. It could also be when the diver loses balance on an armstand dive and touches the platform with their feet. Lineup position – The diver’s position as they fall into the water. The aim is to enter the water totally straight. Straight position – A dive position where the diver’s body is fully extended with no bends at the joints. Kick out – A quick and strong entension of the diver’s legs to prevent any more rotation in a tuck. Free position – A dive position which combines the tuck, straight and pike position. This is used in twisting dives.