 Technique
Fancy dives are classified into four basic types: (1) the "layout," (2)
the "pike," (3) the "tuck," and (4) the "free style." In
the layout or "straight" dive, the body must not be bent in any fashion. In the
pike, the body is bent at the hips and the knees are kept rigid. In the tuck,
the body is compactly bunched with thighs drawn to the chest. The fourth dive,
the "free style," may include twists or other intricate movements in the air.
Competition
Both men and women
compete separately in two events: the 3-meter springboard
and the 10-meter platform.
Springboard diving is performed from a springboard
three meters (9 feet, 10 inches) above the
water. Since 1964 Olympic competitions have
begun with a preliminary round of seven dives.
The top 12 divers then advance to the finals,
which consist of 11 dives -- five required
and six voluntary. The judges' scores are multiplied
by a coefficient that is determined by the
degree of difficulty of the attempted dive.
Platform diving is staged from a rigid platform
10 meters (30 feet, 5 inches) above the water.
The finalists perform four compulsory dives
and six voluntary dives.
News, History,
and Fast Facts
- Learn about diving equipment, rules, history,
and more from the USOC site.
- "Want to know the roots of 'fancy
diving'?" USA
Diving explains how this formerly European
sport got started in United States, and
how it has changed over the years.
- The International
Olympic Committee site is the official
site of the Olympic Diving and a super
source for diving facts and figures.
- For complete information about playing,
coaching, and watching diving, visit EdGate's School
Athletics Center: Diving page.
- FINA is
the International Amateur Federation for
the sport of diving.
More sports
General Sports Links
Olympians will compete in dozens of sports this summer. Even though Gateway
to the Summer Games can't feature them all, you can learn about each and
every one by visiting the sites listed below.
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