A reader recently posed the question - Should there be differences in the fulcrum settings for different dives, say a forward dive pike as opposed to a forward 3 1/2 somersaults in pike?
The short answer is, no. The idea is to get the maximum height possible for all dives that use a forward takeoff. A diver should strive to reach the same height for a forward dive and a forward 3 1/2. So you really want to use the setting for which you can gain the maximum amount of lift off of the board. And what is the best way to attain that maximum amount of lift and corresponding height, learn to consistently "ride the board". If the diver changes the settings on different dives, then they run the risk of not “catching the board” on a consistent basis.
The one mistake many divers make, especially beginners, is to jump and then push down on the board as hard as possible. All to often the result is that the diver is pushing down as the board is coming up, leading to more of a collision. Both the diver and the board should move in the same direction.
As to what fulcrum setting a diver should use, that really depends on the height, weight, age and experience of the diver. Most younger divers will keep the fulcrum on a low number in order to learn to push down on the board as it is going down, as opposed to coming up. As the diver grows in both stature and experience, then the fulcrum can be moved further back. The diver should, with experience, learn to “wait” on the board to reach the proper position before pushing.
The only caveat to that answer is when moving from a forward approach to a back approach. The answer here is maybe? That may sound confusing, but let me explain. In a forward approach the diver will drop to the board from a height and therefore depress the diving board more and thus have more time to "wait" on the board to rebound, or start its drop toward the water. On a back takeoff, the feet do not leave the board - or at least they are not supposed to, and so the response time will be quicker and the board will be easier to "catch" if the fulcrum is at a lower, or quicker setting.
That being said, some divers have the strength and ability to use the board on the same setting as a forward approach, but that is not recommended except for the advanced diver. The best advice is practice hurdles until the timing is correct. Then the challenge will be to use that same hurdle each and everytime you step onto the board!
