Diving | Swimming | US Diving

The Sport of
Diving

	Learn more about the other half of the sport of swimming.

USA Diving conducts approximately 40 regional and national events annually, sanctions hundreds of events managed by its 350 member clubs and is responsible for training and selecting teams that represent the United States at international events such as the Olympic Games, World Championships and Pan American Games.

The most visible events offered by USA Diving each year are the American Cup, U.S. National Diving Championships, the FINA/USA Diving Grand Prix and the Speedo National Junior Diving Championships.

American Cup - Debuting in 2003, the American Cup is a senior-level event in which national and international divers compete head-to-head on 3-meter springboard and in cup format on 10-meter platform. 3-meter synchronized springboard and 10-meter synchronized platform follow standard FINA rules. Participants are qualified based on performances at previous competitions or through placings at the qualifying event.

U.S. National Diving Championships - The U.S. National Diving Championships is the premiere event on the senior national circuit each year. Approximately 125 athletes compete on 1-meter springboard, 3-meter springboard, 10-meter platform, 3-meter synchronized springboard and 10-meter synchronized platform. The winner of each event is crowned the national champion. The top six divers on 3-meter and platform and top team in 3-meter and 10-meter synchronized are named to the national team. Senior-level divers are qualified to the nationals based on performances at previous competitions or through placings at the Geographic Zone Championships.

FINA/USA Diving Grand Prix - The FINA/USA Diving Grand Prix is the sole U.S. stop on FINA's 10-country international circuit. Approximately 20 countries participate in the event. Competition in conducted in 3-meter springboard, 10-meter platform, 3-meter synchronized springboard and 10-meter synchronized platform. In the Team Championship, six men's and six women's teams compete in a 48-dive contest. Each team is made of two to four divers, and the teams perform two dives on 3-meter, 3-meter synchronized, 10-meter platform and 10-meter synchronized. The U.S. team is selected based on performances at a previous competition.

Speedo National Junior Diving Championships - The Speedo National Junior Diving Championships is the premiere event on the junior national circuit each year. Approximately 300 athletes compete on 1-meter springboard, 3-meter springboard and 5-, 7.5- or 10-meter platform in the 13 & under, 14-15 or 16-18 age group. The winner of each event is crowned the junior national champion and is named to the junior national team. Junior-level divers are qualified to the nationals based on performances at previous competitions or through placings at the Junior Region and Junior Zone Championships.

Teams

Members of the Senior (Men's and Women's) National Team and Junior National Team are selected each year at their respective national championships. Senior National Team - The top six on 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform and top team in 3-meter synchronized springboard and 10-meter synchronized platform are named to the national team.

Junior National Team - The top boy and girl diver on 1-meter springboard, 3-meter springboard and 5-, 7.5- or 10-meter platform in each age group is named to the national team. Also, members of the international team for that year are added to the team.

National Men's Team	Women's National Team	Junior National Team

Diving 101

Elements of the Dive
Judging		Competing		Synchro		Difficulty		Glossary

Types of Dives Of the six dive types, the first four involve rotating in directions relative to the board and starting position. The fifth includes any dive with a twist. The final group begins with an armstand.

	Forward Group The diver faces the front of the board and rotates toward the water. Dives in this group vary from the simple front dive to the difficult forward four and one half somersault.

	Backward Group All dives in the backward group begin with the diver on the end of the board with back to the water. The direction of rotation is away from the board.

	Reverse Group Formerly called "gainers," these dives begin with the diver facing the front of the board and rotating toward the board.

	Inward Group Formerly called "cutaways." The diver stands on the end of the board with back to the water and rotates toward the board.

	Twisting Group Any dive that uses a twist (excluding armstands) is included in this group. There are four types: forward, backward, reverse and inward.

	Armstand Group Here the diver assumes a handstand position on the edge of the platform before executing the dive. This position is not used on the springboard.

Positions Divers use one or more of the four body positions during each dive:

	Pike The legs are straight with the body bent at the waist. Like the straight position, arm placement is dictated by the particular dive or by the choice of the diver.

	Straight No bend at the waist or knees. Depending on the dive, there may be an arch in the back. Arm placement is the diver’s choice or is defined by the dive performed.

	Tuck Body is bent at the waist and knees, with thighs drawn to the chest and heels kept close to the buttocks. Feet and knees should be kept together and toes should be pointed.

	Free Indicates the diver’s option to use any of the above three positions, or combinations thereof, when performing a twisting dive.