Timing in the forward one and one half somersault with one twist 3m springboard dive

The timing of actions to initiate and stop twist is critical to successful performance of the twisting and somersault rotations in 3m springboard dives. An important indicator of timing differences among subjects is the timing of hip flexion and extension. The purpose of this study was to quantify the timing and magnitude of hip flexions and extensions in the forward one and one half twisting dive with one twist. The timing and magnitude of hip flexion and extension of ten divers ranging in ability from New Zealand National to elite International standard were quantified using three-dimensional videography and analysis techniques. A Spearman (rho) correlation with p<.05 required for significance was conducted to determine the relationship between each of the variables and ability. The results indicated that skilled divers had more flight time than less skilled divers (rho=-.79), less hip flexion at takeoff (rho=.66), less pre-twist flexion (rho=.86), greater post-twist hip flexion, and had more time from the time of maximum post-twist flexion to entry than less skilled divers (rho=-.81). It was concluded that divers who currently initiate twist from a 'kick out' should learn to initiate twist without a 'kick out' and reduce hip flexion at takeoff to increase height and flight time.