How to Inward Pike Dive From a Springboard

An inward dive is usually required for competition. The inward pike is the first inward dive a competitive diver should learn.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Swimming Trunks
• Swimsuits
• Swimming Caps
• Swimming Ear Plugs
• Swimming Goggles
• Swimming Nose Clip

1. Master the forward pike and the back pike dives before attempting inward pike. It is vital that you do not attempt this dive without the proper skills leading up to it.
2. Begin the inward pike in the back-start position, standing on the balls of your feet on the end of the board with your heels over the edge. Your weight should be on the balls of your feet throughout all board work.
3. Raise your arms slightly above your head and then bring them down and bend your knees to flex the board.
4. Swing your arms up in front of your face as you extend your legs to jump.
5. Bend at the waist even before your feet leave the board.
6. Keep your legs perpendicular to the water, straight down as you rise into the air. Swing your arms back down to touch your toes with your fingers by bending at the waist. This is the pike position, facing backwards.
7. Allow your legs to swing up into the air when your upper body is vertical, so that they point straight up as you straighten your body for entry.
8. Enter the water hands first with your entire body straight and streamlined for as little splash as possible - hands together, elbows straight.

Tips & Warnings

• Look at the water throughout the entire dive, then tuck your head in at the last moment.
• It is very important that you keep your legs vertical as you rise and reach down to touch your toes. If you allow your legs to fly out behind you, your upper body may be in danger of striking the board.
• Attempt inward dives only when you have mastered all the skills leading up to them, and then only under the close supervision of a trained diving instructor.