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Diving was first introduced to the Olympic games since 1904, and has been a very competitive sport ever since. Diving consists of several elements, including flexibility, strong muscles, good toe points and springy jumps; these characteristics can be learned and maintained through dedicated training in the water and also through dry land practise. Within the dry land practise, divers use a range of equipment including trampolines, spring boards and bars for conditioning. Dry land training helps the diver to understand the complications of the dives, and is done so through using a harness to learn step by step of a new dive. The main focus of dry land training is to condition the diver’s body so their posture, strength and body alignment are perfect for entries into the water, and also to ensure having a strong body to prevent injury by the impact of the water.
Other important factors for achieving a perfect entry, otherwise known as a ‘rip entry’, are mastering the flat hand position, and also arm position when entering the water.