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Diving: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
New FINA D.D. Table
With the new FINA Degree of Difficulty Table, having a diving list include optionals dives with a D.D. of 3.0 or above may become common place.
Before You Get Started
Guidelines to follow before becoming involved in springboard diving and how to gind the the right diving coach and youth diving team to ensure a positive and safe experience.
Types of Dives
Six types of dives and used in springboard and platform diving. Four of these types involve rotating, or somersaulting in relation to the diving board or platform. A fifth type involves adding twists to a dive, and the sixth uses an armstand to begin dives from the platform.
Judging Diving
Judging a springboard or platform diving contest begins with an understanding of the scoring system and the five basic elements of a dive: The Starting Position, The Approach, The Take-Off, The Flight, and The Entry.
How Deep is the Pool?
Every time a diver steps on the board, he or she should know the depth of the water in order to ensure a safe diving environment.
Olympic Diving Rules
Review many of the more important rules that will govern the diving competition in the Olympic Games. These rules are dictated by FINA, the international governing body for the aquatics.
Dive Numbers
Dives used in competition are described using two methods: a written description, or numerical identification known as a dive number. Depending on the nature of the competition, both may used on a diving sheet.
Dryland Training
Dryland training for springboard and platform diving is a vital ingredient for success in the sport of diving today and the use of trampolines or adryland diving board allows the diver to practice a dive in a safe and efficient manner.
Pike Position
One of the four positions, the pike position is performed with the knees straight and the body bent at the waist.
Coaching and Feeback
Coaching diving involves what types of feedback a diver should receive in order to improve their ability to dive, and ultimately, their performance.
Maxiflex Model-B Springboard
The “Cheeseboard” is a common reference for the Modified Maxiflex Model-B aluminum springboard diving board manufactured by Duraflex International. The Model-B is the de facto standard for competitive aquatic diving facilities.
Tips for the Beginner Diver
Five important tips for beginners new to the sport of competitve springboard diving.
Shammys and Divers
A shammy or Sammy or aqua towel, has long been used by divers who need a quick reliable way to dry off between dives. But it is really more than that. It can become an extension of a diver's personality.
Body Posture
Body posture is an important diving technique to be mastered by both beginners and elite divers. This fundamental building block leads to correct body position in dives, allowing a diver to advance to harder dives used in diving competition.
Rip Entry
A rip entry in springboard and platform diving is a key element needed for successful completion of a dive. Three important parts of a rip are the flat hand, arm position, and body alignment.
DD Calculation
Dives in springboard and platform diving are ranked according to the degree of difficulty of each dive, determined using a formula based on elements in each dive. This degree of difficulty is used in the calculation of diving scores.
Diving Positions
During the flight of a dive, the body of the diver must be held in one of four positions: tuck, pike, straight, and free.
Italian Tania Cagnotto
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MAY 09: Tania Cagnotto of Italy dives during the Women's 3 Meter Springboard Final at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center during Day 4 of the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix on May 9, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
What to Wear on Your First Day
Equipment to begin diving starts with any type of swimsuit, a shammy, and an athletic bag.
Early Olympic History
A brief history of diving in the Olympics from 1904 to the present.
Tania Cagnotto of Italy
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Tania Cagnotto of Italy compeates in the Women's 3m Springboard Final during the 18th FINA Visa Diving World Cup at The Aquatics Centre on February 24, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Duraflex Diving Board
Duraflex diving boards are the standard for use in the world of competitive diving. What makes these products so superior, that they are the only products used in competitive diving?
Diving Camps
Summer diving camps can be a benefit to many divers, but don’t make the decision to attend one on the spur of the moment. Consider your choices. Not all camps are the same.
Fulcrum Definition
The fulcrum is a moveable wheel that sits underneath the mid-point of a diving board, allowing a diver to adjust the amount of spring they receive.
Diving Board Differences
Duraflex Maxiflex Model “B” and 16-foot Duraflex Springboards Choosing diving equipment manufactured
Three D's of Diving
Desire, dedication and discipline all play an important role in the development of an athlete. In diving, you can call these the “Three D’s of Diving.”
Diving List
In all high school, and junior and senior level diving contests divers are required to perform a specified number of dives from which a winner is determined. These requirements are made up of two types of dives – voluntary dives and optional dives. The combination of the dives make up what is known as a divers list.
High School Diving
High school diving can be a challenge, especially with less experienced divers and a short season. Here are six important points that will help divers prepare.
Diving Board Problems
Do you know how to recognize and fix problems that might occur with your Duraflex springboard? The sport of diving requires a diving board, so take care of your springboard by checking on these five troublesome areas.
Trampoline Beds
Trampoline beds for diving come in a variety of different types depending on what your needs are.
Greg Louganis
Considered the greatest diver of all time, Greg Louganis won gold medals at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games on both the springboard and platform. In addition to his Olympic success he won 47 national titles, three NCAA titles, and five world championship titles.
Flat Back, Flexibility, Toe Point
Not everyone has the perfect body for diving. In fact, there's no such thing as a perfect body type. Everyone has their quirks. Here are three areas though that everyone can work on to become a better diver.
Diving Events
In competitive diving, there are five events that can be broken down by individual or team, levels (one-meter, three-meter, platform), and surface (springboard or platform).
Diving Tips
Use these helpful tips to improve your diving.
Olympic Diving
What is Olympic diving? Find information on the competition, events, rules, and road to become an Olympic champion.
Top Diving Program
Which collegiate diving program had the most success during the 2011-2012 season, based on the results from the 2011 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships?
FINA Standards and New Board
FINA pool standards were developed with safety in mind, and you cannot buy a new Duraflex springboard unless your facility can meet those specifications.
Tuck, Pike or Layout?
Many beginners, or divers that lack experience, often ponder the question of what position to put a dive in when competing in a meet - tuck, pike or layout.
Head First Entries
If you want to rip dives on a consistent basis, set a goal of having all your dives enter the water head first.
Scoring Synchro
The rules for scoring synchronized diving can be bit confusing. Use this guideline to better understand the process.
Scoring at 10 in Diving
Excellent and exceptional dives many times receive scores of 10. So is the dive excellent and exceptional, or perfect?
Steve Foley Interview
Steve Foley was recently named USA Diving High Performance Director. Here are some of his ideas for the future!
Wrist Grips
Choosing a wrist grip basically comes down to personal preference, and the best way to go about choosing a wrist grip is to test the two major types - Donjoy and Tiger Paw.
Diving Tower
The tower is the diving platform structure that can hold as many as five levels: one-meter, three-meter, five-meter, 7.5-meter, and 10-meter heights.
Four Positions for Beginners
Beginner divers need to learn four basic positions - straight, tuck, open pike and closed pike, out of the water prior to learning dives.
Six Reasons To Stretch
Stretching is an important element of any divers’ training. Stretching before a workout or competition will help in injury prevention and assist in warm-up. Stretching after a workout or competition can help to increase flexibility and decrease muscle soreness.
Sammy Care
Shammys are important in the world of diving, so follow this advice to keep yours working well for season after season.
Scores for Hitting the Board
Judges need to the be aware of the rule and penalties that occur when a diver hits the board, especially the difference between FINA and High School rules.
Dryland Diving Equipment
Dryland diving equipment can help a diving program and diving coach expand and enhance the ability to develop successful divers.
2012 Olympic Diving Hub
2012 Summer Olympic Games in London - information on the diving competition, past and future competitors, the history of diving and the Olympics, and how to get started on your Olympic Dream.
Six Uses for an old Springboard
Do you have an old diving board that is just laying around? Here are six uses for that old springboard.
Where Are They Now
Find out what these U.S. Olympic divers have been doing since retiring from competition.
2012 World Cup Results
Results from the 2012 FINA World Cup held February 20-26 in London England. The World Cup is the final qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.
Ray Rude Profile
Ray Rude developed the Duraflex diving board and the Durafirm diving stand. His products revolutionized the sport of diving and are the only equipment used in Olympic and world championship diving competitions.
Lesson Program FAQ
What are the cost involved when taking diving lessons, or springboard diving instruction for beginners?
Spotting and the Equipment
In the sport of diving, what is spotting and what type of equipment is used?
London Aquatic Centre
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 23: A general view of the Olympic Park and Aquatics centre from The Lund Point tower on July 23, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Spotting Equipment Check
Spotting equipment for training a diver should be checked regularly to ensure a safe training enviroment for divers.
Dives in Tuck
Competitive springboard divers should learn dives in tuck position before advancing to pike or layout position. Dives in tuck position teach solid fundamentals that a springboard or platform diver needs to master in order to learn and compete harder dives.
Hurdle Tips
You can't do a good dive without a good hurdle. Here are some key tips to help improve this aspect of the forward approach in springboard diving.
Voluntary Dives
In all diving contests divers are required to perform a specified number of dives from which a winner is determined. These requirements are made up of two types of dives – voluntary dives and optional dives. The combination of these dives make up what is known as a diver’s list.
Steele Johnson
Profile of Steele Johnson, a USA Diving National Team member, Junior Pan American Games gold medalist and ten-time junior national champion.
Extra Points in a Diving Meet
Diving meets are often decided by less than a point. Here are a few tips to squeeze an extra 1/2 point from the judges.
Springboard Life
You just purchased a new Duraflex springboard for your aquatic facility, or club diving team. It looks
Training Tips
Here are six tips that even the most experienced diving coach should consider during a training session or practice.
China's Han Wang and Lin Qu
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MAY 09: Han Wang and Lin Qu of China dive during the Women's Synchronized 3 Meter Final at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center during Day 4 of the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix on May 9, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Grab a Flat Hand
Grab your hands before stretching for the water every time you do a dive, practice a fundamental, or doing anything related to diving. It gives you the best opportunity to rip.
Proper Pike Position
Proper pike position requires flexibility and technique, and an understanding of the differences between open and closed pike.
Why Use Skill Progressions
Learning and practicing dives should be based on fundamental building blocks or skills, learned in a series of progressions. Here are eight reasons why.
Diving All American DVD's
Use these practices and guidelines to create a diving video a DVD for submission to a college coach or for High School All American.
Dryland Diving Hub
Dryland diving instruction and equipment - What to use, why it is important, and tips and techniques.
Women's Olympic 3M Contenders
This group of standout international divers will make the women's springboard competition in London fun to watch. The Chinese are the favorites, but they don't give the medals away, you have to earn them!
2011 High School Rule Changes
The NFHS made several rules changes for high school diving that will be effective for the 2011-2012 season. A hop hurdle is officially legal in high school.
Diving Basics
Understand the sport of diving by becoming familiar with the basic elements of a dive and diving meets.
2009 Diver of the Year
Multiple awards were given to divers and coaches at the 2009 USAS Convention and Banquet in Chicago, including 2009 Diver of the Year that went to three-time Olympian Troy Dumais.
2008 Olympic Trials Results
The Olympic Trials kick-off on Wednesday, June 18, with the men's and women's platform preliminaries. Can't make it to the trials, stay tuned to About.com for live, in-person coverage of the events.
Ballet and Diving
Six reasons that ballet and dance training can help a diver become successful: flexibility, performance, rhythm and timing, core control, balance and form.
Diving Board And Stand
A Duraflex diving board and Durafirm diving stand are the only choice for competitive springboard diving equipment.
Diving Routine
Creating a routine in diving can help eliminate inside and outside influences and develop consistency at both practice and in competition.
FINA Age Group Designation
In age group diving, each age group is denoted by a letter or range of ages depending on whether you are competing in the U.S. or internationally.
Grab in Tuck
Make sure to always grab in tuck in the middle of the shin. If it's not a habit, you might not like the result!
Spring Nat Syn3M
Results from the synchronized three-meter springboard diving competition at the Speedo USA Diving Spring National Diving Championships.
Too Close To The Board
Safety is always a concern, but many times a dive that appears too close to the board is not always as bad as it seems.
Men's Olympic 3M Contenders
Men's 2012 Olympic springboard competition begins on August 6th, so to be properly prepared, here are the top international contenders who will compete alongside U.S. entries Troy Dumais and Chris Colwill for the medals!
Fail Dive
When a diver receives a fail dive during a competition, they earn zero points. But why might a diver get a zero?
Lessons vs. Elite Divers
Creating a successful diving team requires a coach to manage a large group of young athletes, and to have a eye for the big picture. Here are a few ideas that can help a coach better manage the varying degrees of talent within a diving team.
U.S. Diver Allison Brennan
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MAY 09: Allison Brennan dives during the Women's 3 Meter Springboard Final at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center during Day 4 of the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix on May 9, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Hurdle Position in Diving
When doing a forward approach and hurdle on springboard, where should the knee and hurdle leg be in relation to the rest of the body?
Concussions
While concussions do not occur that often in diving, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of a concussion, and what to do if you suspect that a diver has sustained one.
Steps in a Front Approach
A forward approach and take-off in diving is as unique as a divers' personality. Figure out what is best for you by experimenting with diverent types of take-offs.
Olympic Track
Find information on the steps needed to become an Olympic diver.
Forward Dive Pike from a Stand
The forward dive pike from a standing start is a fundamental drill that all divers should practice whether they be a beginner or seasoned veteran.
David Boudia and Nick McCrory
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30: (L-R) Nicholas Mccrory and David Boudia of the United States react during the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform Diving on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
rocking the board
Rocking the board prior to a back or inward takeoff can help a diver create a rhythm, but too much rocking can get you deductions from the judges.
All-American Errors
Common errors are the biggest reason why applications for High School Diving All-American get rejected.
Diving Entry
Definition of the entry into the water in the sport of diving.
Trampoline Jumps
Learning to do simple, repeated jumps on a trampoline can help improve balance and control in the hurdle.
1M Front Line Up
The forward line-up in diving from a 1-meter springboard is a great way to introduce the proper techniques used in diving to enter the water without going over or short of vertical and at the same time producing little or no splash.
Balk In Practice
If a diver balks in practice, chances are that it will effect their ability to compete well in a diving meet.
Approach and Hurdle Hub
The forward approach and back press are diving's most important elements. If a diver cannot leave the springboard or platform properly, the rest of the dive is going to prove much more difficult to accomplish.
Men's National Team
How does a diver make the USA Diving National Team and who is currently on the men's team?
AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix
The AT&T USA Grand Prix is the sole U.S. stop on the seven-country FINA International Grand Prix tour.
Use Easy Dives in Competition
Learning new dives is an important aspect of diving. Learning when to use those new dives in competition is equally important. When and where to add a new dive to your diving list is an important part of learning to compete.
What is FINA
FINA is the international governing body for aquatic sports that includes competitive springboard and platform diving.
Olympic Highlights
The biggest upsets, greatest finishes and dominant performances in Olympic diving competition.
Which Knee to Use in a Hurdle
When doing a forward approach and hurdle on springboard, which knee should the diver use?
Back Tuck Kick-out
A backward somersault kick-out is an important fundamental element in springboard and platform diving. Use this dryland drill to help make this diving element become second nature.
Australian Divers Olivia Wright and Jaele Patrick
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MAY 09: Olivia Wright and Jaele Patrick of Australia dive during the Women's Synchronized 3 Meter Final at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center during Day 4 of the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix on May 9, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Point Your Toes
Pointing your toes in diving is a critical element in the overall impression of the dive.
2012 Junior World Championships
Springboard and platform diving results and news from the 2012 FINA World Championships in Adelaide, Australia.
NCAA Qualifying Process
How does a diver qualify for the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships?
Diving Programs
Training a springboard and platform diver - Programs and levels of commitment from beginner lessons to elite diving. Find information on requirements and time commitments for the sport of diving.
Multile Female Medalists
Women who have won multiple Olympic medals in the sport of springboard and platform diving.
Tania Cagnotto and Francesca Dallape of Italy
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Tania Cagnotto Francesca Dallape of Italy compete in the Women's Synchronised 3m Springboard final on Day 2 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre at Aquatics Centre on July 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Indoor vs Outdoor
Diving meets are held at both indoor and outdoor facilities, and they each offer different challenges. To better prepare for these different competiton sites, make a point of training at both.
Women's National Team
How does a diver make the USA Diving National Team and who is currently on the Team?
Safety Rules for the Diver
Each time a competitive diver steps onto a springboard during practice, they should follow three simple rules to ensure the safety of themselves and their teammates.
Chinese Synchro Pair Lin Yue and Liquang Yang
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MAY 09: Lin Yue and Liguang Yang of China dive during the Men's Synchronized 10 Meter Platform Final at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center during Day 4 of the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix on May 9, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Lateral or Mid-line Come-Out
Mid-line and lateral come-outs are used in diving to stop the somersault so that a diver can properly line-up for the entry. Each are different, but accomplish the same goal.
Ballet
Ballet and dance training can help develop important attributes needed to be successful in diving, such as timing, balance, form and flexibility.
Women's 3-meter Springboard Photo Gallery
Photos from the women's springboard diving competition at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Women's NCAA Diving Results
Results from the women's 10-meter platform diving competition at the 2012 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships at Auburn University.
Forward Dive Pike
Proper pike position during a forward dive pike in the pike position from a one-meter springboard.
Back Dive Tuck
Step by step instructions on how to properly execute a back dive in the tuck position from a one-meter springboard with proper springboard diving technique.
British Diver Jack Laugher
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Jack Laugher of Great Britain prepares to dive in the Men's 3m Springboard semi-final during day three of the18th FINA Visa Diving World Cup - LOCOG Test Event for London 2012 at the Aquatics Centre on February 22, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Women's Olympic 10M Contenders
Chen Ruolin and Hu Yadan have traded places at the top of the podium over the past four years
Winterizing a Diving Board
Prolong the life of your valuable diving board by following these simple tips before storing the board for the winter.
2012 Diving Elite Eight
Who are the top high school divers in the nation in the 2011-2012 high school diving season?
2012 Junior World Results
2012 FINA Junior World Diving Championships results from Adelaide, Australia.
Classic Approach
The classic forward approach and hurdle in diving consists of between three to five steps and a hurdle.
Toby Stanley
Profile of Toby Stanley, a USA Diving National Team member who lives and trains at the USA Diving National Training Center in Indianapolis, Ind.
College Recruiting in Diving
Any diver or athlete can help move the recruiting process in the right direction. Here are seven important aspects to consider.
U.S. Divers Haley Ishimatsu and Mary Beth Dunnichay
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MAY 08: Haley Ishimatsu and Mary Beth Dunnichay of the USA dive during the Women's Synchronized 10 Meter Platform Final at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center during Day 3 of the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix on May 8, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Full-Time Diving Coach
The majority of diving coaches in the U.S. are part-time, here are seven reasons for an upgrade to full-time.
U.S. Synchro Team Kassidy Cook and Loren Figueroa
Kassidy Cook and Loren Figueroa after winning a silver at the 2010 Junior World Diving Championships.
Beijing Olympic Diving Images
Images from the diving competition at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.
Canadian Synchro Team Pamela and Carol Ann Ware
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MAY 09: Pamela Ware and Carol Ann Ware of Canada dive during the Women's Synchronized 3 Meter Final at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center during Day 4 of the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix on May 9, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Split Tuck
A split tuck is not necessarily a bad thing in diving, it's just how it is used that can make it detract from the overall impression of the dive.
Gold medalist David Boudia of the United States
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: Gold medalist David Boudia of the United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's 10m Platform Diving Final on Day 15 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on August 11, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Men's 10-meter Platform Photo Gallery
Photos from the men's platform diving competition at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Optional Dives
Optional dives in competitive diving are the harder and more impressive dives performed in a divers list of dives. When the optional dives are combined with the required voluntary dives, the result is a list of dives that a diver must perform in a particular diving meet or contest.
Angular Momentum
Angular momentum is a physical principle that is used to describe why a diver can change the speed of their somersault or twist while spinning or twisting.
Tania Cagnotto and Francesca Dallape
Diving images and diving photos from the 2009 FINA World Diving Championships in Rome.
Coaching Tips
Here are several coaching tips that every coach can use to make their time with a diver more effective.
Open Pike Position
Open pike position in diving is characterized by straight knees and with the body bent at the waist, but the hands do not touch the toes.
2011 Diving Elite Eight
Who are the top high school divers in the nation in the 2010-2011 high school diving season?
What is a bubbler
What is a bubbler? How a sparging system is used in diving.
Diving Order in Competition
Knowing what order to list your dives in competition is as easy as paying attention to your personality and how you are training.
2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Diving
Diving photos and images of Olympic diver Troy Dumais, U.S. National Diving Champion, World Championships medalist, and a member of the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympic Diving Team.
Armstand Dives
Definition of the armstand dives in platform diving.

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