Diving is an individual sport where competitors perform acrobatics while falling or jumping off a board or platform. Competitors are judged based on technique and form.

Diving is a competitive sport with origins in the gymnastics world. Divers aim to perform several body movements while falling into water. Competitions usually consist of dives from 1-meter and 3-meter springboards and either 5, 7 or 10-meter platforms. Dives are judged based on takeoff, flight, entry and difficulty. The diver with the highest score at the end of competition is the winner.

Perform technically sound dives into a body of water in order to receive the highest possible score from a panel of judges.

Most competitions consists of three disciplines: 1-meter and 3-meter springboards and the platform. Platform dives are performed from either 5, 7 or 10-meters. Divers perform a set number of dives according to the requirements of the particular competition. Divers are judged based on the conformance of their bodies to the requirements of the dive and the amount of splash created by their entry into the water. A highest possible score of 10 is divided into thirds, with three points given for takeoff, three for flight and three for entry. The remaining point is given at the judges' discretion. This raw score is then multiplied by a difficulty factor determined by the combinations of movements attempted. The diver with the highest total score at the end of competition is the winner.

Diving as it's known today began in the 17th century when German and Swedish gymnasts began training over water. This gradually led to the offshoot of diving as an entirely new sport. By the early 20th century diving was an established international competitive sport. The first major men's platform diving competition was held at the 1904 summer Olympic Games, with the first major springboard competition held four years later. By 1928, women were allowed to compete in all types of diving. Today, diving remains a major international sport with the height of competition still found at the Olympic Games.

Platform
Springboard
Swimming Cap
Swimsuit

Diving can be dangerous due to the heights involved in some dives. Participants should start at low levels and always under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Participants should also make sure the body of water in use is the proper depth for diving.

Diving requires strong legs and superior body control. These can be attained through weight training, ballet and yoga. Other important elements, such as timing and trajectory, are best learned while diving.

Pike - position taken during the flight of the dive identified by straight knees and a tight bend at the hip

Platform - a concrete structure used for performing dives from great heights

Straight - position taken during the flight of the dive identified by no bend at the knees or hips

Springboard - a strong flexible board from which someone can jump in order to gain added impetus when performing a dive

Tuck - position taken during the flight of the dive identified by the body folded up in a tight ball, with hands holding the shins and toes pointed

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving