Diving Terms Explained

Approach

The steps a diver takes toward the end of the board at the start of their dive, which usually involves three or more steps.

Armstand Dive

A dive that is done from a motionless armstand at the end of the platform. These dives are not allowed to be done on a springboard.

Backward Dive

A category of dive where the diver begins with their back toward the water.

Degree of Difficulty

The level of each dive, indicating how difficult it is to execute. It’s used to help determine the final score and ranges from 1.2 to 4.8.

Entry

The point where the diver makes contact with the water.

Execution

How well the diver carries out of the dive. They aim to maintain control throughout to score highly.

Forward Dive

A category of dive where the diver begins facing the water and then rotates toward the water.

Fulcrum

The wheel on the springboard that divers turn to adjust the board’s flexibility.

Inward Dive

A category of dive where the diver begins with their back toward the water and then rotates toward the board after takeoff.

Judge 

An official who scores after each dive based on a number of different categories.

Optional Dives

A more difficult dive than voluntary. The diver can add any extra movements they want and are not restricted by a degree of difficulty cap.

Pike

A position where the diver bends their legs at the waist up toward their head. The legs are straight and the toes are pointed.

Platform

Solid diving boards that competitors jump from, also known as firm boards.

Reverse Dive

A category of dive where the diver faces toward the water and then rotates back toward the board.

Rip

The point of entry into the water. When a diver’s hands are perfectly perpendicular to the water upon entry, the splash will sound like ripping paper. It leads to minimal splash, which all divers hope to achieve.

Somersault

A complete rotation of the body that moves heels over head.

Springboard

A diving board that adds extra spring to the takeoff, competitors can adjust them to make them more and less flexible.

Straight

A position in which the body is straight from head to toe, with the feet together and the toes pointed.

Synchronized Diving

Two divers perform the same dive at the same time. The goal is to have the dives mirror one another.

Takeoff

The moment the diver leaves the board and goes into the air to begin the dive.

Tower

The entire diving platform.

Tuck

A position in which the diver bends their legs at the knees and waist, bringing their thighs to their stomach and heels toward their buttocks.

Twisting Dive

Any dive that includes a twist, whether it’s forward, backward, reverse, or inward.

Voluntary Dive

Also known as required dives. These are typically easier dives limited by their total degree of difficulty.