Understanding the Dive Numbering System

Understanding The Dive Numbering System

Dive numbers are easy to understand once the system is explained. The dive number and letter is what you enter when you register for a meet. It is also what is read when the dive is announced to the diver during a meet.

The letters A, B, C and D indicate the position that will be used during the dive. A is for straight, B is for pike, C is for tuck and D is for free, meaning multiple positions will be used during the dive. D is normally associated with twisting dives.

A number beginning with a 1 indicates front dives, a 2 is for a back dives, 3 is for reverse dives, 4 is for inward dives, 5 means a twisting dive and a 6 is for arm stand dives on platform. Front, back, reverse, inward and arm stand dives have 3 numbers. The last number tells the amount of rotation in a dive. A 1 means a dive. A 2 means one somersault , a 3 means a 1 & ½ etc. through a 9 which stands for 4 & ½ somersaults.

As examples:A 103c would be a front 1 & ½ in tuck position. A 305b would be a reverse 2 & ½ in the pike position . Hand stand dives also have three numbers. The number 612b stands for a front hand stand somersault in pike position. The one indicates a front. A 622c would be a back arm stand somersault in tuck. A 632c would indicate a reverse arm stand somersault in tuck. The reverse arm stands are not common. I have only had two divers compete them in all the years that I have coached.

Twisting dives have four numbers. The 5 tells you that it is a twist. The second number stands for front back, reverse or inward, the third number is the amount of somersault rotation and the last number is for the amount of twist. A common twisting dive is the 5132d. This number stands for a front 1 & ½ with a full twist in the free position. A pike position is used to start the somersault, the diver becomes straight to twist and pikes again to complete the 1 & ½ somersaults. All of my divers are taught a 5231d which is a back 1 & ½ with a ½ twist. The reason for this is that it is the easiest twisting dive to land head first.

Twisting arm stand dives also have four numbers. The 6 means arm stand, the second number the dive group (front, back etc.) the third number the amount of somersault and the last number the amount of twist. A 6122d would be a front arm stand somersault with one twist. A 6223d would be a back arm stand somersault with 1 & ½ twists.

Test yourself and see if you can figure out what dives the following numbers represent.

401a =

5333d=

6243b =

109c =