During the flight of a dive, the body must be held in one of four positions: tuck, pike, straight, or free. Each of these positions is designated by a letter on diving score sheet.
- Straight - A
- Pike - B
- Tuck - C
- Free - D
Straight Position
Photo © Woody Franklin
The straight position is characterized by no bend in either the hips or knees. The arm position is the choice of the diver.
Pike Position
Photo © Woody Franklin
The pike position is performed with the knees straight and the body bent at the waist. A proper pike position will demonstrate no gap between the upper body and the legs. Pike position can be performed with the hands touching the feet or extending out from the body in an open pike position, or with the arms wrapping around the legs in a closed pike position.
Tuck Position
Photo © Woody Franklin
The tuck position resembles a ball with the knees bent and the legs pulled as close to the body as possible. Each hand should grasp the leg on the shin, midway between the knee and the ankle. The toes should be pointed and the legs kept together.
Free Position
Photo © Woody Franklin
Used exclusively in twisting dives, the free position is a combination of straight, pike, or tuck. At all times during the free position the legs must be together with the toes pointed.
