Level – all levels

The last thing a judge sees when observing a dive, is the entry. The aim – splashless and vertical.

Last time we discussed the hand grab which is instrumental to a good entry but in order to practice the hand grab and combine it with good entry technique, the divers must practice high numbers of line ups.

The pike fall (bending over in a pike shape and falling into the water), is the first head first skill a diver is taught and it is something they continue to practice throughout their careers. Even Olympic medallists practice their line ups!!

Good entry technique is also:

Elbows locked completely straight.

Body completely flat and vertical.

Head in between arms, eyes looking at entry point.

No gap between arms and ears.

Body and arms in straight line.

Technique for forward and backward entries is similar however, forward entries can have a slight hollow (or dish) and back entries will have a slight arch due to the direction of rotation. Back entries will also have slightly more head tilt as the eyes look back for the entry point.