Six types of dives are used in springboard and platform diving. Four of these involve somersaulting either toward or away from the diving board or platform. A fifth type adds twists to a dive and finally, the armstand combines somersaults and twists and is used exclusively in platform diving.
- Forward
- Back
- Reverse
- Inward
- Twisting
- Armstand
Forward Dives
Divers face the end of the board and rotate away from the diving board using a forward approach and hurdle. Examples:- Forward Dive in the Pike Position
- Forward 2 1/2 Somersaults in the Pike Position
Back Dives
Dives from the backward group are executed with the diver on the end of the board with their back to the water. The diver rotates away from the board. Examples:- Back Dive in the Straight Position
- Back 2 1/2 Somersaults in the Tuck Position
Reverse Dives
Also known as a "gainer," the diver faces the end of the board and rotates back toward the diving board while moving forward and away from the diving board. Examples:- Reverse Dive in the Pike Position
- Reverse 1 1/2 Somersaults in the Tuck Position
Inward Dives
Inward dives begin with the diver on the end of the board with the back to the water. The diver rotates toward the diving board while moving away from the board. Examples:- Inward 1 1/2 Somersaults in the Pike Position
- Inward 2 1/2 Somersaults in the Tuck Position
Twisting Dives
Any dive that uses a twist (excluding armstand dives) is included in this group. Twisting dives can be executed from the forward, back, reverse or inward direction. Examples:- Forward 1 Somersault, 1 Twist in the Free Position
- Back 1 1/2 Somersaults, 1 1/2 Twists in the Free Position
- Forward 2 1/2 Somersaults, 1 Twist in the Pike Position
Armstand Dives
All handstand dives are performed from the platform. The diver executes a handstand from the edge of the platform facing either forward or backward, and performs the dive from this starting position. Examples:- Armstand Forward 2 Somersaults in the Pike Position
- Armstand Back 2 Somersaults, 1 1/2 Twists in the Pike Position
